The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a very interesting bird that is easily recognizable thanks to the male’s striking red and yellow shoulder patches. This medium-sized, sexually dimorphic blackbird is abundant across much of North America and has adapted well to human changes to the environment. Read on to learn more about what makes the red-winged blackbird unique.
Identification
The red-winged blackbird is identifiable by distinctive red shoulder patches with yellow borders on the male. Females are mostly streaked brown and lack the bright shoulder patches. Red-winged blackbirds measure 6.7–9.1 in (17–23 cm) in length and have a wingspan of 12.2–15.8 in (31–40 cm). Weight ranges from 1.1–2.7 oz (32–77 g).
Several features aid in identifying the red-winged blackbird:
- Conical bill
- Long tail
- Red shoulder patches (male only)
- Streaked brown plumage (female only)
- Omnivorous diet
- Melodic song
The red-winged blackbird is unlikely to be confused with other species due to its distinctive plumage. The bold red shoulder patches of the male make it easy to recognize. Females could potentially be confused with large sparrows, but the conical bill shape and streaked plumage are reliable identification markers.
Range and Habitat
The red-winged blackbird has an extensive range across much of North and Central America. Its breeding habitat stretches from Alaska and Canada down to northern Mexico, and east to New Brunswick and North Carolina. Some populations remain year-round throughout much of the breeding range, while others migrate south to winter in the southern U.S. and Mexico.
This is a bird of open habitats. Typical breeding grounds include:
- Marshes
- Wet meadows
- Prairie
- Hayfields
- Agricultural areas
- Roadsides
Outside of the breeding season, red-winged blackbirds congregate in huge mixed flocks numbering in the hundreds of thousands. They roost together in wetlands at night and disperse during the day to feed in agricultural areas, lakeshores, and meadows.
Adaptations
Over time, the red-winged blackbird has developed several key adaptations that aid its survival:
- Bill shape – The conical bill easily cracks seeds and grains but can also catch insects.
- Strong legs and feet – Useful for clinging to sturdy marsh vegetation.
- Partial migration – Populations in the northernmost breeding range migrate south for winter while others are permanent residents.
- Male plumage – Red shoulder patches are conspicuous visual displays that play a role in territory defense and mate attraction.
- Eggshell coloration – Speckled brown eggs camouflage well in marshy nests.
- Social behavior – Roosting and feeding in massive flocks may confer safety benefits.
This combination of physical and behavioral adaptations allows the red-winged blackbird to thrive in its preferred open wetland habitats across a large geographic area.
Diet
The red-winged blackbird is omnivorous and opportunistic, feeding on a wide variety of food sources depending on availability:
- Seeds and grains – Important when abundant including rice, corn, millet and more.
- Insects – Beetles, dragonflies, caterpillars and others.
- Spiders
- Worms
- Berries and fruits
- Small animals – Nestling birds, frogs, snakes, voles.
Seeds and insects make up the majority of the red-winged blackbird’s diet. It forages primarily on the ground or in vegetation, using its conical bill to pick up food. Males sometimes catch insects while in flight.
In agricultural areas, large flocks may congregate to feed on crops like rice, oats, and corn when abundant. This is sometimes considered pest behavior, but studies show red-winged blackbirds prefer insects and weeds over crops overall.
Breeding and Nesting
Beginning as early as February, male red-winged blackbirds arrive at breeding sites and establish territories with vigorous displays and vocalizations. Females arrive soon after to select a mate and build nests together.
Red-winged blackbird breeding facts:
- Polygynous – Males mate with multiple female partners.
- 2-3 broods per season.
- 3-5 eggs per clutch.
- 12-15 day incubation by female only.
- Altricial young tended by female for 9-14 days.
Nests are sturdily woven cups made of wetland vegetation and placed low in vegetation or sometimes directly on the ground. Males play no role in nest building or rearing young.
Both parents feed nestlings via regurgitation. Young leave the nest at 9-14 days but remain dependent on parents for an additional 1-2 weeks.
Behavior and Displays
During breeding season, male red-winged blackbirds are highly territorial and perform several conspicuous displays:
- Song spreading – Sings from multiple perches within his territory.
- Puffed plumage – Makes himself appear larger.
- Hover-glide flights – Flies in bounds with wings raised.
- Bill wiping – Wipes bill on perch to show ownership.
These displays, along with the striking red shoulder patches, visually signify male fitness. Females watch these displays when selecting a territorial male for mating.
Outside of breeding season, red-winged blackbirds form huge, noisy flocks numbering into the hundreds of thousands. These massive flocks roost together at night and communicate vocally to coordinate movements.
Vocalizations
Listen for these common vocalizations to identify red-winged blackbirds:
- Male territorial song – Loud, slurred conk-la-ree! Most often heard during breeding season.
- Chatter call – Harsh check and tek notes.
- Alarm calls – Short staccato notes when disturbed.
Research shows regional dialects in red-winged blackbird songs, with males learning regional variations. Song spreading displays ensure nearby birds learn the local dialect.
Migration
Northern populations of red-winged blackbirds migrate south in winter, while southern groups are year-round residents. Spring migration north begins in March and April as males compete to arrive first and claim territories.
These birds fly mostly at night on migration. They can cover 200-300 miles in a single overnight flight. Flights restart 30-60 minutes before sunrise.
Some key migration facts:
- Males arrive at breeding grounds first.
- Large flocks form during migration.
- Stopovers last 2-3 days to rest and feed.
- Wind patterns influence direction and timing.
Red-winged blackbirds migrating north follow central flyways through the Great Plains. Different subspecies use Pacific, Central, and Atlantic flyways on fall migration south.
Relationship to Humans
The red-winged blackbird has a mixed relationship with humans. On one hand, these birds readily inhabit agricultural areas, marshes, and backyards. Seeing vibrant flocks is a sign of spring for many people. On the other hand, some consider them agricultural pests.
Some key interactions include:
- Pest species – Flocks may damage crops like rice, corn, sorghum, and oats.
- Prey species – Hunted as game birds in some regions.
- Control methods – Use of explosions, chemical repellents, and habitat alteration to discourage flocks.
- Backyard bird – Visits feeders and nests in yards when wetlands are scarce.
Overall, the adaptable red-winged blackbird continues to thrive alongside human development. Their numbers remain stable, estimating around 200 million individuals across their range.
Population Status
The red-winged blackbird has an extremely large global population estimated at over 200 million individuals. The species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Population trends show:
- Global population stable.
- Estimated 200 million individuals.
- One of most abundant birds in North America.
This abundant songbird has adapted well to human changes to wetland habitats. Conservation efforts focus on preserving remaining marshland rather than species protection.
Fun Facts
Here are a few fascinating and fun facts about the red-winged blackbird:
- Polygynous mating results in some male red-wings siring up to 15 broods per season.
- The brown-headed cowbird sometimes lays eggs in red-winged blackbird nests.
- Flocks number over 200,000 in winter – and even up to 2-3 million historically!
- Their conical bill is adapted for eating both seeds and insects.
- Red-winged blackbirds sometimes reuse nests or build new ones directly on top of old nests.
- Females lays pale blue-green eggs with brown speckles for camouflage.
- One banded red-winged blackbird was recaptured at 17 years 9 months old, the record age known for the species.
Conclusion
The red-winged blackbird is a remarkable species thanks to its adaptable nature, distinct appearance, sizable flocks, and wide distribution across North America. Watch for these birds on your next visit to a wetland and listen for their musical konk-la-ree song! Learning to identify them is easy thanks to the male’s bold crimson shoulder patches, a memorable flash of color to brighten any day. The red-winged blackbird remains a common species able to thrive in modest remaining wetland habitats as well as man-made areas like ditches, fields, and backyards.