A black bird with red underneath its wings refers to a few different species of birds that share this distinctive plumage pattern. The most well-known is the red-winged blackbird, a common sight across much of North America. Male red-winged blackbirds have jet-black bodies and wings, but bright red and yellow shoulder patches that are visible when the bird is in flight. Other birds that match this description include the tricolored blackbird, found in the western United States and Mexico, and the red-shouldered blackbird, found across Eurasia and North Africa. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these red-winged blackbirds and relatives to understand what makes them unique.
Identifying Features of Red-Winged Blackbirds
Here are some key identifying features to look for to recognize a red-winged blackbird:
– Jet black plumage on the head, wings, back and tail. Only the males show the bright red and yellow shoulder patches; females are plain black and streaky brown.
– Medium sized with a slender, pointed bill. Adults are about 6.5-9.5 inches in length with a wingspan of about 13 inches.
– Red shoulder patches (called epaulets) bordered by yellow. The red area is referred to as the red “wingshield”. This is only seen when the bird displays its wings.
– Habitat: Found in open fields, marshes, wetlands and edge areas. Often perch on cattails and other vegetation. Common across North America.
– Song: The males sing a raspy “konk-a-ree” song to mark their territories.
Behaviors and Habits
Red-winged blackbirds exhibit some interesting behaviors and habits:
– Territorial and aggressive – Males defend their breeding territories with displays and attacks on intruders. They perform flight displays and sing to ward off competitors.
– Polygamous mating – Males attract up to 15 females to their territories for mating. The females build nests and raise the young alone.
– Omnivorous diet – They eat insects, spiders, seeds, fruits and grains. They often forage on the ground and in vegetation.
– Roosting – Large flocks of thousands roost together in wetlands at night during non-breeding seasons. The flock waves like a black cloud when flushed.
– Migration – Northern populations migrate south for the winter. Some southern populations are permanent residents.
– Gregarious nesting – Females often nest in loose colonies in wetland areas. Several nests may be built close together in vegetation over water.
Range and Habitat
The red-winged blackbird can be found in the following regions:
Region | Habitat |
Across much of North America | Marshes, wet meadows, prairies, agricultural areas |
Coasts of Middle America | Swamps, mangroves, savannas |
Coasts of northern South America | Swamps, rice fields, grasslands |
Some key habitat features preferred by red-winged blackbirds include:
– Wetland areas – marshes, swamps, wet meadows, pond edges
– Open fields – pastures, agricultural areas, grasslands, rice fields
– Clearings and edge areas – between wetlands and woodlands
– Cattails – uses cattails and other marsh vegetation for feeding perches and nest sites
Taxonomy and Classification
Here is the scientific classification of the red-winged blackbird:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Icteridae |
Genus | Agelaius |
Species | A. phoeniceus |
Some key notes on taxonomy:
– Part of the order Passeriformes – perching birds
– Family Icteridae – blackbirds, orioles, grackles, cowbirds
– Closely related to tricolored blackbird and red-shouldered blackbird
– 13 recognized subspecies exist across its wide range
Role in the Ecosystem
The red-winged blackbird fills an important niche in its wetland habitats:
– Prey for predators – An important food source for hawks, owls, snakes, raccoons and other predators.
– Insect control – Consumes many crop damaging insects like beetles and weevils. Helps control insect pests.
– Seed dispersal – Redistributes plant seeds across its habitat through feeding and waste.
– Pollination – Feeds on flower nectar and can pollinate some plant species.
– Bioindicators – Sensitive to environmental changes in wetlands. Population declines may signal problems.
Despite some crop damage complaints, the red-winged blackbird provides ecosystem services that likely outweigh their drawbacks. They are considered a native, natural component of the habitats they occupy.
Relationship to Humans
The red-winged blackbird has the following impacts and relationships with humans:
– Pest status – They sometimes cause damage to grain and rice crops. Considered an agricultural pest by some.
– Population control – They are sometimes controlled through poisonings, nest destruction and other means due to crop complaints.
– Game bird – Hunted by humans as game birds during migration and winter. Up to 40 million killed annually in 1970s.
– Popular songbird – One of the most studied passerines. Well known for its appearance and song. Represents wetlands in culture.
– Bioindicator – Scientists study populations and reproduction to monitor effects of pesticides and other pollutants.
– Inspiration – Serves as a symbol, mascot and inspiration across its range. Depicted in art, logos, media and more.
Despite agricultural conflicts, most appreciate the red-winged blackbird as a familiar and iconic sight. Their cultural appeal outweighs their limited economic impacts.
Red-Winged Blackbird Lookalikes
The red-winged blackbird could potentially be confused with these other species:
Species | Distinguishing Features |
Eastern meadowlark | Lacks red wing patch; yellow chest with black “V” |
Yellow-headed blackbird | Entirely black except for yellow head/chest |
Tricolored blackbird | Red edged white patch; smaller than RWBB |
European starling | Stockier; short tail; spotted breeding plumage |
Red-shouldered blackbird | Red “shoulders”; found in Eurasia |
The bright red shoulder patches make the male red-winged blackbird a relatively distinctive sight. Taking note of voice, range, size and behavior helps confirm the identification. Females and juveniles lack the red markings and are more heavily streaked.
Interesting Red-Winged Blackbird Facts
Here are some additional interesting facts about the red-winged blackbird:
– Polygynous mating results in about 41% of nests being parasitized by cowbirds who lay eggs for the blackbirds to raise.
– Males make up at least 99% of the red-winged blackbirds poisoned in corn fields during spring migration, as they arrive before females.
– Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology coordinates a citizen science project called the Red-winged Blackbird Spring Blitz which tracks the migration patterns of redwings across the U.S.
– Females lay 2-5 eggs that incubate for about 12 days. The altricial young fledge from the nest at 10-14 days old.
– There can be more than 200 million red-winged blackbirds in North America during peak populations. Highest densities occur on the Canadian prairies.
– They sometimes build nests close to wasp nests for protection. The aggressive wasps deter potential nest predators.
The complex mating behaviors, vast migrations and ecosystem impacts make the red-winged blackbird a fascinating species to study and observe. Their familiar presence connects people to local wetland habitats.
Conclusion
The red-winged blackbird is a ubiquitous and iconic bird across much of North and Central America. Males are unmistakable in flight due to the brilliant red and yellow shoulder patches contrasting with black plumage. These birds inhabit open wetland areas where males sing and display to attract females. Their vast numbers, complex behaviors and relationships with humans make them an important species ecologically, economically and culturally. Red-winged blackbirds and their relatives represent the vitality of wetland ecosystems across the Americas. Despite occasional conflicts, most appreciate the sight and sound of these birds as a sign of wild places thriving close to home. The red-winged blackbird remains one of the most recognizable and appreciated avian species across its widespread range.