Name: Red-Winged Blackbird

Description: The Red-Winged Blackbird is found in wetlands and agricultural areas across North America. Its range extends from southern Alaska to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, reaching from the Pacific coast to the eastern seaboard. Northern populations migrate to the southern United States and Central America in late summer to early fall. The Red-Winged Blackbird is named for its distinctive red shoulder patches or epaulets, which are visible when the bird is flying or displaying. Red-Winged Blackbirds defend their territory aggressively.

Other Names: Marsh Blackbird, Red Shouldered Blackbird, Swamp Blackbird, Red-Wing, Red-Winged Starling, Red-Winged Oriole

Color: Red-Winged Blackbirds have long, blackbird bills typical of the species. The male is entirely black except for red shoulder patches bordered with buff on the bend of the wings. The female is brownish-black above, heavily streaked with white, gray and rust. She's similar below, but with lighter colors predominating. She has a light line over her eye, a light medial stripe on the crown, and usually a few reddish feathers on her wings. The striped female looks strikingly different than the male and could almost be mistaken for a large, dark sparrow.

Sound: The “o-ka-ree-a” call of the male Red-Winged Blackbird is an important tool in defending his territory against rivals.

Preferred Environment: The Red-Winged Blackbird prefers marshes but will nest near any river, lake or body of water.

Nesting Habits: A couple of weeks after the male Red-Winged Blackbird makes its migratory homecoming, he disbands from the flock and takes up his post on a willow or poplar tree. He sings as he awaits the arrival of the females three to four weeks later. Nesting begins soon after the female arrives. She'll construct the nest in bushes or reeds over or near water, using coarse grass and reeds and lining it with fine grass.

Food Preference: Red-Winged Blackbirds feed on sunflower, corn and millet.