Red-winged Blackbirds

The Red-winged Blackbird is a medium sized bird measuring 9 to 10 inches in length. The male has distinctive red shoulder patches or "epaulets" which are visible when flying. At rest, a pale yellow wing bar can also be seen. They have long pointed wings and legs that are made for walking rather than hopping. Its beak is cone-shaped and sharp.

The female Red-winged Blackbird is considerably smaller than her mate measuring just 7 inches in length. Her plumage is blackish-brown rather than the deep black worn by the male of the species. The epaulets are absent as well. The juveniles resemble the female but have buff colored feather fringes.

The Red-winged Blackbird can be found across the entire continental United States, most of Canada, and as far south as El Salvador during the breeding season. They will spend the winters wherever they can find food and open water. They inhabit freshwater wetlands, saltwater marshes, meadows and prairies.

The Red-winged Blackbird are polygynous. A male will defend his territory and up to 10 females at any given time. However, females will copulate with other males and often lay clutches of mixed paternity.

The nest is cup shaped and can be hidden in shrubs or attached to tall marsh grasses. A clutch of 3 to 5 eggs are laid and then incubated by the female for 11 to 12 days. The hatchlings are blind and naked but are ready to leave the nest within 10 days. Pairs of Red-winged Blackbirds raise 2 to 3 clutches per season with a new nest for each clutch.

The Red-winged Blackbird feeds on plant seeds and grains, but will eat insects such as spiders and grasshoppers as well. In season fruits such as blueberries and blackberries will get their attention as well.

The Red-winged Blackbird can be very vocal when it feels threatened. It's warning call is a scratchy oak-a-lee or a check-check-check.

Listen to the sound of the Red-winged Blackbird: Sound Byte: Red-winged Blackbird, National Park Service

Common Birds and Their Songs (Book and Audio CD)

This book-audio package provides a unique introduction to fifty of the most familiar birds of North America and the songs they sing. Common Birds and Their Songs will be valuable to anyone interested in birds, from beginner to expert. It's the perfect gift for any birder - or anyone with a bird feeder.

The Red-winged Blackbird, the Grackle, and the Common Blackbird cause thousands of dollars to crops every year. Rather than poison the birds as has been done in the past, some farmers are using falcons to disturb the roosts and break up the flocks.