Red-Winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
Aves › Passeriformes › Icteridae › Agelaius
Conservation status: least_concern
This passerine bird is notable for the male's distinctive red shoulder patches, or epaulets. Its diet consists mainly of seeds and insects, and it is found in North America and much of Central America.
How To Identify
The male exhibits glossy black plumage with dramatic reddish-orange flashes on the wings and tail during flight or display. The female is generally duller brownish-black but retains some visible red wing patches.
Habitat
Red-winged Blackbirds inhabit freshwater and brackish marshes, wetlands, and reed beds across North America, preferring areas with dense cattails and other emergent vegetation.
Behaviour
Males are fiercely territorial during breeding season, perching prominently on reeds to sing loud, distinctive songs and aggressively defending their territory against intruders through elaborate displays of their red epaulets.
Native Range
The Red-Winged Blackbird is native to most of North America and much of Central America.
Did You Know?
Male Red-winged Blackbirds have a striking red-and-yellow shoulder patch (called an epaulet) that they can voluntarily hide or display to intimidate rivals or attract mates. Despite their aggressive territorial nature, they're surprisingly social outside breeding season, often roosting together in flocks of thousands.
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