Red-winged blackbirds are a common sight across much of North America and are not considered rare or unusual to see. However, whether or not you spot them depends on where you live and the habitat around you. Red-winged blackbirds thrive in wetlands and fields and may congregate in large flocks, making them easy to observe in some areas. Their distinctive appearance and behaviors make these birds a fun find for many birdwatchers. With a little knowledge of red-winged blackbird biology and range, you can increase your chances of crossing paths with these charismatic blackbirds.
What is a red-winged blackbird?
The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a medium-sized songbird found throughout much of North and Central America. They are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females have different plumage. Adult males are all black with bright red shoulder patches (“epaulets”) edged with a thin strip of yellow. Females are streaky brown and lack the red wings. Both sexes have conical bills and eyes with yellow irises.
Red-winged blackbirds are highly social and spend much of their time in large flocks, especially in winter. They have a polygynous mating system where males attract multiple mates through elaborate displays and songs. Males are very territorial during breeding season. They have a varied vocal repertoire, with their namesake call sounding like “conk-a-ree!” Red-winged blackbirds mainly eat seeds, grains, and insects.
Range and Habitat
Red-winged blackbirds breed from Alaska and Canada south throughout most of the continental United States and down into Central America. Northern populations migrate south for winter, while some southern birds are permanent residents.
These blackbirds thrive in open, aquatic habitats. Look for them in marshes, wet meadows, pond and lake edges, and ditches. They also readily inhabit agricultural areas like grain fields, pastures, and roadsides. Red-wings build cup nests in vegetation near water and may nest colonially to take advantage of suitable habitat.
On migration and in winter, red-winged blackbirds form enormous flocks that roam open habitats in search of food. It’s not unusual to see flocks numbering hundreds of thousands of birds in some areas!
Are red-winged blackbirds common?
Red-winged blackbirds are an abundant, common species throughout their range. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of over 200 million red-winged blackbirds. They are common year-round residents across the southern U.S. and Mexico. Further north, they are one of the most numerous migratory birds.
Backyard bird surveys such as the Great Backyard Bird Count consistently rank red-winged blackbirds as a top 15 species in terms of frequency of sightings. Data from Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Counts indicates red-winged blackbirds winter in the millions across the southern U.S. They are adaptable and occupy both natural and human-made habitats. Because of their numbers and social nature, red-wings are easy to find in the right habitat.
When and where can I see red-winged blackbirds?
Here are some tips to successfully spot red-winged blackbirds:
Breeding grounds
In summer, look for territorial males singing and displaying over wetlands. Listen for their “conk-a-ree” call and scan for birds standing atop cattails and reeds. Males often use the same perches repeatedly, so stake out a singing bird. In drier areas, check fields, pastures, and ditches. Nests will be hidden in vegetation, sometimes in small colonies.
Migration and winter flocks
Huge flocks of redwings congregate in open country during migration and winter. Check grain fields, wet savannas, open woodlands, and grasslands. Flocks flush in waves and perform amazing aerial displays called murmurations as they wheel and turn in unison. Roosting flocks settle into marshes and wetlands at night.
Backyards and feeders
Red-winged blackbirds visit backyard feeders for seeds and suet, though they prefer to feed on the ground. Attract them with offerings like millet, sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and mealworms. Platform feeders are ideal for these ground feeding birds. Try adding a birdbath or small backyard pond to provide water.
When to see them
In northern states and provinces, red-winged blackbirds return from migration in early spring, usually March and April. The winter window from November to February provides ample time to observe migrating and wintering flocks in southern regions. Don’t overlook summer sightings too – males sing and display on breeding grounds starting in late spring.
Spotting tips
Here are some tips for getting great looks at red-winged blackbirds:
– Stop at wetland areas and listen for the “conk-a-ree” call of male red-wings.
– Scan over wetlands and fields methodically with binoculars to spot perched birds.
– Check fence posts, reeds, cattails, and other perches repeatedly – males use favorite spots.
– Listen for the noisy chatter of flocks and look for birds flying overhead.
– Use pishing sounds and squeak toys to attract curious red-wings for closer views.
– When you find a flock, watch aerobatics like dives, tails spreads, and murmurations.
– Set up near brush piles or edges of marshes where birds take cover to see them dash out.
– Add platform feeders with millet and sunflower seeds to draw red-wings to your yard.
Identification
Identifying red-winged blackbirds is pretty straightforward in most cases. The male’s inky black plumage and brilliant red and yellow shoulder patches are unmistakable. Females are more challenging, but the streaky brown plumage and conical bill help distinguish them from other birds. Here are some tips for identification:
– Learn the male’s “conk-a-ree” call and songs to confirm red-wings by ear.
– The female red-winged blackbird can be mistaken for large sparrows. Look for the thicker, finch-like bill.
– In poor light, scan for the pale yellow eye stripe on perched birds.
– Flying flocks show quick, erratic flight on pointed wings, often mixing red-wings with grackles and cowbirds.
– Immature males resemble females but have some black feathers mixed in during their first spring/summer.
– Compare female red-wings to female cowbirds, which have a gray rather than brown head.
– Separate red-wings from rusty blackbirds by habitat (wetlands vs. forests) and pale eye color.
Behaviors to watch for
Some interesting red-winged blackbird behaviors to watch for include:
– Males singing from high perches and spreading tail and wings while calling.
– Courting flight displays where males fly with deep, pulsating wing beats.
– Females crouching and quivering wings while begging for food from males.
– Territorial fights where males grapple and peck each other on perches and in flight.
– Mass swirling flocks called murmurations as they gather to roost at dusk.
– Flocks making quick dives and turns to confuse predators like hawks.
– Low fluttering flights out over water as they drink and bathe on the wing.
– Hopping and scratching along the ground as they forage for insects and seeds.
Observing natural behaviors like these allows you to appreciate the beauty of red-winged blackbirds and their adaptations that make them unique.
Should I provide food, water or nesting sites?
Red-winged blackbirds adapt readily to backyard habitats. Here are some tips for successfully attracting them:
Food
Offer sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn, and nyjer thistle in platform feeders or scattered on the ground. Suet supplements fat and protein. To discourage feeding in mass, limit open seed piles.
Water
Add a birdbath, small pond, or water garden with a trickle fountain. Move water frequently to prevent mosquito breeding. Place water sources near brushy cover for safety.
Nesting sites
Allow wetter areas of your yard to grow tall with reeds, grasses, and shrubs. Leave brush piles as nesting spots. Plant native shrubs and brambles to provide protected nesting areas away from disturbance. Place nest boxes if suitable marshes are absent.
Shelter
Leave some areas of overgrown vegetation for shelter from predators and harsh weather. Tall grass and reed clumps provide nighttime roosting spots. Brush piles and evergreen shrubs give winter protection.
The key is replicating elements of wetlands and grasslands where red-wings naturally nest and feed. Balance open areas for feeding with dense cover for escape and nesting. Avoid excessive disturbance near nests during breeding season.
Interesting facts about red-winged blackbirds
Beyond identification tips and bird feeder notes, red-winged blackbirds have some fascinating biology. Here are a few interesting facts about these common blackbirds:
– Polygynous mating results in some male red-wings having up to 15 mates per season.
– Male red-winged blackbirds don’t assist with nesting or feeding young. Their role is to mate and defend territory.
– The brown females actually mimic the plumage tones of sparrows to help camouflage on the nest from predators.
– Nestlings can swallow adult insects whole due to expandable esophagi that stretch when wide food items are swallowed.
– Young red-wings develop quickly, leaving the nest at 10-12 days old, but are fed by parents for several more weeks.
– They have experienced massive population increases over the past 200 years along with growth in corn and grain agriculture.
– Flocks show amazing feats of synchronization when wheeling in huge masses during winter. Scientists think they watch subtle movements of neighbors to coordinate.
– During migration some red-wings fly incredible distances of 2500 miles or more between nesting and wintering grounds.
– Red-winged blackbirds may live for over 15 years, an exceptionally long life for songbirds of their size.
The combination of adaptability, interesting behaviors, and accessibility makes red-winged blackbirds appealing for birders across North America.
Conclusion
In conclusion, red-winged blackbirds are very common, widespread birds that are easy to spot across much of North America. They thrive in open, wet habitats and readily visit backyards, making them accessible for many people to enjoy. Their numbers skyrocket in migration and winter when dazzling flocks congregate, sometimes totaling millions of birds! With a little effort you can find red-winged blackbirds in fields and wetlands near you by watching and listening for territorial males or roving flocks. Once found, take time to appreciate the behaviors and adaptations of these fascinating blackbirds. The red-winged blackbird’s ubiquity speaks to its great success. We should consider ourselves lucky to share the continent with this abundant, iconic bird.
