Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
17cm to 23cm
Wingspan
31cm to 40cm
Weight
32g to 77g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Red-winged Blackbird. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Red-winged Blackbird demonstrates considerable agility in flight and whilst foraging. Their ability to navigate through dense marsh vegetation and perform aerial displays suggests above-average manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not particularly strong for their size, Red-winged Blackbirds possess adequate strength for their lifestyle. They can defend territories and carry nesting materials, but are not known for exceptional feats of strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These birds show remarkable adaptability, thriving in various habitats from wetlands to agricultural fields. Their ability to adjust their diet seasonally and form large flocks outside breeding season further demonstrates their adaptiveness.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Male Red-winged Blackbirds are notably aggressive during breeding season, vigorously defending territories and displaying confrontational behaviour. This aggression, however, is largely seasonal and context-specific.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their ability to form massive winter roosts and undertake partial migrations suggests good endurance. However, as small birds, they likely have limitations compared to larger, long-distance migrants. Their wide distribution across elevation ranges also indicates decent stamina.
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.
Vocalisation
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 and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include raccoons, mink, hawks, owls, and snakes, which target eggs, nestlings, and occasionally adult birds.
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.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Agelaius phoeniceus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22724191A132027891.
View source - 3
report, 2007: Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
- 2
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 4
website: Longevity Records Of North American Birds. Version 2023.1
View source
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