Agelaius phoeniceus
Least Concern
Known for their striking red and yellow shoulder patches and melodious calls, the Red-winged Blackbird is a captivating presence in North and Central America's marshes, fields, and woodlands. As one of the most abundant birds across North America, this distinctive species darts through the skies, its glossy black plumage and assertive behavior making it an unforgettable part of the continent's diverse birdlife.
Black
Brown
Brown
Red, Yellow
Black, White
Black, Buff
Black
Brown
Brown
Short
Black
Brown
Dark Brown
Black
Black
Black
Bright red and yellow shoulder patches
Streaked with white, buff, and dark brown
Streaked with white and dark brown
Fan-shaped with squared-off end
Fan-shaped with squared-off end
Fan-shaped with squared-off end
15cm to 25cm
Length
31cm to 40cm
Wingspan
30g to 75g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Female Red-winged Blackbird
Juvenile Red-winged Blackbird
Red-winged Blackbird, non-breeding male
Red-winged Blackbird in-flight
Red-winged Blackbird perching on a branch singing
Red-winged Blackbird male (left) feeding female (right)
Distinctive call that sounds like 'conk-la-ree!'
A variety of calls, including a gurgling song and a harsh alarm call
Sharp, harsh call
Active during the day, feeding in the morning and evening
Flocks in winter, territorial in breeding season
Males aggressively defend territories during breeding season
Migrates south in winter
Often forms mixed flocks with other blackbird species in winter
Insects, Seeds
Forages on the ground and in vegetation
Morning and late afternoon
Picks insects from vegetation and the ground
Diet varies with season and location
None known
In marsh vegetation or in trees or shrubs near water
Bowl-shaped nest made of grass and lined with mud
Spring to early summer
One to two
Pale blue-green with dark marks
Approximately 2.4cm x 1.8cm
2-4 eggs
11-13 days
11-14 days
Both parents feed chicks, but only female incubates eggs
North and Central America
Marshes, swamps, fields, pastures, and open woodland
Sea level to 2300m
Migrates south in winter
Temperate Forest, Grassland
Temperate, Tropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Distribution notes
Vagrant in Trinidad and Tobago
Resident or Present
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
2
15
2 year(s)
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Polygynous, with males mating with multiple females
Males become more brightly colored with age
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, pesticides
Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Population stable, but declines in some areas due to habitat loss
Other names:
Redwing
Family:
IcteridaePopulation size:
200,000,000
Population trend:
Stable
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
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