Red wing blackbirds are a familiar sight across much of North America during the spring and summer months. But when winter arrives, these birds leave their breeding grounds and head south to warmer climates. So where exactly do red wing blackbirds go in the winter?
Overview of Red Wing Blackbird Migration
The red wing blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a medium-sized songbird found throughout much of North and Central America. They are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females have different plumage. Males are all black with bright red and yellow shoulder patches called epaulets. Females are brownish-streaked black and lack the bright shoulder patches.
Red wing blackbirds breed primarily across Canada and the northern United States during the summer months. They nest in wetlands, prairies, meadows, and agricultural areas. Breeding pairs are strongly territorial and males will aggressively defend their nesting sites.
As winter approaches, nearly all red wing blackbirds migrate south to warmer regions of North America. Some blackbirds may overwinter in the southernmost parts of their breeding range if conditions permit. But the vast majority migrate south, with some birds traveling as far as Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Red wing blackbird migration takes place during September through November as birds move south, and again during February through April as they return north. They often migrate in large flocks that can number in the thousands of birds.
Wintering Range and Habitat
During the winter months, red wing blackbirds can be found across much of the southern United States and south into Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands. Their winter range extends as far south as Panama.
Some of the key wintering areas for red wing blackbirds include:
- Southern Coastal States – Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida
- Southern Interior States – Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, North/South Carolina
- Southwestern States – Arizona, New Mexico
- California Central Valley
- Pacific Coast of Mexico
- Yucatan Peninsula
- Cuba, Bahamas, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico
- Interior Central America – Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua
During winter, red wing blackbirds inhabit open wetland areas including freshwater marshes, coastal swamps, flooded agricultural fields, lakes, ponds, and streams. They roost in marsh vegetation like cattails and sedges at night.
Red wing blackbirds also utilize more open grasslands, pastures, wet meadows, irrigated agricultural areas, and savannas in the winter provided adequate water is available. They often mix and form flocks with other blackbird species and European starlings in the winter.
Food and Feeding Habits
Red wing blackbirds are omnivorous, feeding on a combination of seeds, grains, insects, and fruit. Their diet shifts somewhat in winter compared to summer.
During the colder winter months, red wing blackbirds rely more heavily on seeds and grains from grasses, sedges, agricultural crops like rice and corn, and native vegetation. Common winter foods include:
- Rice
- Corn
- Millet
- Sorghum
- Wheat
- Weed seeds like amaranth, lambsquarters, dock
Insects and fruit make up a smaller portion of their diet in winter than summer. But red wings will still opportunistically feed on beetles, grubs, caterpillars, spiders, and harvest overwintering berries when available.
Red wing blackbirds primarily forage for food while walking on the ground in fields, lawns, or wetland edges. Their strong legs and feet are well adapted to grasping stems and peddling through vegetation while feeding.
Large winter flocks will also congregate near agricultural areas, grain silos, cattle feedlots, and backyard bird feeders to access concentrations of food.
Threats and Mortality
Red wing blackbirds face a number of natural threats during winter, especially when migrating between their breeding and wintering grounds. Potential hazards include:
- Predation – Hawks, falcons, owls, herons prey on blackbirds
- Storms – Hurricanes and storms can blow flocks off course
- Food shortages – Lack of food during harsh weather can be deadly
- Disease outbreaks – Salmonellosis, avian influenza, and other diseases can kill large numbers
- Human activity – Collision with buildings, vehicles, aircraft, pollution
It is estimated that 40-60% of red wing blackbirds die each year from predation, disease, starvation, severe weather, and other threats. However, with good winter habitat conditions and plentiful food sources, annual mortality can sometimes be lower.
Month | Location | Estimated Population |
---|---|---|
January | Texas | 5 million |
February | Louisiana | 2.5 million |
March | Mexico | 1 million |
This table shows estimated red wing blackbird populations in select wintering locations throughout the season.
Spring Migration Back North
Starting in late February and March, wintering flocks of red wing blackbirds begin preparing for their journey back to their northern breeding grounds. This return migration peaks from mid-March through May across North America.
Red wings follow a looping migration route, with birds moving first northeast from wintering areas before turning northwest to retrace their southbound path through the Great Plains and Canada. Birds arrive on breeding grounds and begin establishing territories as early as February in the southernmost range.
Spring migration is a demanding trip, as birds must fly 500 miles or more each day. Red wings stop periodically to rest and feed. As with fall migration, they form large mixed flocks with other blackbird species and European starlings.
Weather is a major factor influencing the timing and pace of spring migration. The exact timing varies by region and local conditions each year. But most red wing blackbirds arrive on their breeding grounds by late March or April to establish nesting territories.
Conclusion
In summary, red wing blackbirds undergo a lengthy annual migration each year between their northern breeding range and southern wintering grounds. They spend their winters across the southern U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands where habitat and food are plentiful.
Wintering flocks number in the many millions of birds across this entire region. Red wings must survive threats from predators, storms, and food shortages while in their winter range. Come spring, these iconic blackbirds make the long return trip north to breed once again across Canada and the northern United States.