Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

Habitat

Wetlands, marshes, farm fields, ponds

Range

North America

Diet

Insects, seeds, fruits

Conservation
Status

Least Concern

Why I choose this bird?

I chose the Red-winged Blackbird because my website is named after it. It is a very common bird around where I live and all around the United States!

What makes this bird special?

The red-and-yellow patches are called epaulets, like ornamental shoulder pieces on a military uniform. Males fluff, spread, and display them when singing, attracting mates, or confronting rivals. If there are 2 male red winged blackbirds, you can tell which one owns the territory. The one with its shoulder patches (epaulets) puffed out and it isn't flying away owns the territory. The other one that isn’t puffed out, is just a visitor.

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Quick Facts

Size: 7-9 inches long, with a 12-15 inch wingspan.
‍Weight - 1.8 oz or 52 g
‍Habitat: Found in freshwater and saltwater marshes, as well as wet meadows, fields, and roadside ditches.
‍Range: Widespread across most of North America, from Alaska and Canada down to Central America.
Diet: Primarily eats insects during the breeding season and seeds/grains during the rest of the year.
Conservation Status: Least Concern, with a very large and stable population.

How to Identify it?

The call, at least in the east, there isn’t anything like it so it is easy for me to identify by call. The males are easy to identify because of the bright colors on their shoulders. The females look like tall sparrows.

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Fun Fact

Red winged blackbirds can travel in the millions with other blackbirds and grackles.

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Want to become and expert?

To learn more about Red-winged Blackbirds check out Cornell's All About Birds!