Species Profile
Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Red-wing
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Appearance
The Red-winged Blackbird is a striking bird with a compact body and rounded wings. Males are glossy black with bright red shoulder patches bordered by yellow, often visible during flight and displays.
Females are dramatically different, with brown-streaked plumage and a pale eyebrow. Juveniles resemble females but have more reddish-brown tones and less defined streaking.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Yellow
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Buff
- Beak
- Brown
- Legs
- Black
Male Markings
Bright red and yellow shoulder patches
Tail: Fan-shaped with squared-off end
Female Markings
Streaked brown plumage with pale eyebrow
Tail: Fan-shaped with squared-off end
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Red-winged Blackbirds are found across North America, from Alaska to Florida. They inhabit various open habitats, with a strong preference for wetlands, marshes, and wet meadows.
In winter, many northern populations migrate to the southern United States and Mexico, while some birds in milder areas remain year-round. They are common in suitable habitats throughout the USA and southern Canada.
Distribution
Diet
Red-winged Blackbirds are omnivorous, with a diet that varies seasonally. During the breeding season, they consume insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
In fall and winter, they switch primarily to seeds, including those from grasses, weeds, and waste grain in agricultural fields.
Behaviour
Red-winged Blackbirds are highly social, often forming large flocks outside the breeding season. Males are territorial during breeding, perching prominently and displaying their red epaulets while giving their distinctive 'conk-la-ree' call.
They forage on the ground or in low vegetation, probing for insects and seeds.
Calls & Sounds
The male's song is a distinctive 'conk-la-ree' or 'o-ka-lee', often accompanied by a display of his red shoulder patches. Females produce a series of chit or check calls.
Both sexes use various chips and chatters for communication within flocks and during territorial disputes.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Red-winged Blackbirds typically begins in late spring. Males establish territories and attract females with conspicuous displays and vocalizations.
Females construct cup-shaped nests using grasses and sedges, often woven around several upright stems in marshy vegetation. They lay 3-4 pale blue-green eggs with dark markings.
Incubation lasts about 11-13 days, performed solely by the female. Nestlings fledge after 11-14 days, with both parents contributing to feeding the young.
Conservation
While Red-winged Blackbirds are currently listed as Least Concern, they face threats from habitat loss and agricultural practices.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving wetlands and promoting bird-friendly farming methods to maintain their widespread distribution.
Population
Estimated: 180,000,000 mature individuals[3]
Trend: Decreasing[2]
Population stable, but declines in some areas due to habitat loss
Elevation
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- Approximately 2.4cm x 1.8cm
- Predators:
- Main predators include raccoons, mink, hawks, owls, and snakes, which target eggs, nestlings, and occasionally adult birds.
- Alarm calls:
- Sharp, harsh call
- Breeding age:
- 1
- Maturity age:
- 1
- Feeding times:
- Morning and late afternoon
- Major threats:
- Habitat loss, pesticides
- Parental care:
- Both parents feed chicks, but only female incubates eggs
- Primary calls:
- Distinctive call that sounds like 'conk-la-ree!'
- Social habits:
- Flocks in winter, territorial in breeding season
- Egg appearance:
- Pale blue-green with dark marks
- Feeding habits:
- Forages on the ground and in vegetation
- Breeding season:
- Spring to early summer
- Diet variations:
- Diet varies with season and location
- Fledging period:
- 11-14 days
- Average lifespan:
- 2
- Call description:
- A variety of calls, including a gurgling song and a harsh alarm call
- Daily activities:
- Active during the day, feeding in the morning and evening
- Nesting location:
- In marsh vegetation or in trees or shrubs near water
- Number of broods:
- One to two
- Incubation period:
- 11-13 days
- Nest construction:
- Bowl-shaped nest made of grass and lined with mud
- Migration patterns:
- Migrates south in winter
- Migratory patterns:
- Partial migrant, with northern populations migrating south in winter
- Age related changes:
- Males become more brightly colored with age
- Prey capture method:
- Picks insects from vegetation and the ground
- Conservation efforts:
- Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
- Territorial behavior:
- Males aggressively defend territories during breeding season
- Reproductive behavior:
- Polygynous, with males mating with multiple females
- Special dietary needs:
- None known
- Clutch characteristics:
- 2-4 eggs
- Interaction with other species:
- Often forms mixed flocks with other blackbird species in winter
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for males perched on cattails or reeds in wetlands
- Listen for the distinctive 'conk-la-ree' call of males
- Observe large flocks in agricultural fields during winter
- Watch for the flash of red when males take flight
Did You Know?
- Male Red-winged Blackbirds may have up to 15 female mates in a single breeding season.
- They can form massive winter roosts with millions of individuals.
- Red-winged Blackbirds are one of the most abundant bird species in North America.
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