Red-winged Blackbird

About the Red-winged Blackbird

The Red-winged Blackbird is a striking marshland songbird best known for the male's glossy black plumage and bright red-and-yellow shoulder patches. Often seen perched on cattails or fence posts, males sing loudly to defend their territory. Females are streaked brown and blend well into marsh vegetation.

Fun Facts

• Bright Shoulder Patches: The male's red and yellow epaulets can be flared to display dominance or attract mates.
• Marsh Defender: Red-winged Blackbirds aggressively defend their nesting territory, even chasing much larger birds.
• Familiar Song: Their distinctive conk-la-ree! call is one of the classic sounds of wetlands in spring.
• Widespread Species: They are one of the most abundant bird species in North America.