red wing blackbird
1. Bird Name
The bird under our spotlight is the Red-winged Blackbird (‘Agelaius phoeniceus’).
2. Appearance
The Red-winged Blackbird is a vibrant species with a stark color contrast. Male birds showcase a predominantly glossy black plumage with shoulder patches that are a bright scarlet. When in flight or during courtship, these patches, that are often hidden, become vibrant displays against their dark bodies. On the other hand, females are a more subdued blend of brown and cream, with darker stripes across their backs and wings, often confused for large sparrows. Their beaks are sharp and pointed, designed for their omnivorous diet, with the males being a bit bulkier in comparison.
3. Size
Red-winged Blackbirds are medium-sized, with an average length ranging from 17cm to 23cm. Their wingspan can extend to approximately 31-40cm. The weight of males usually ranges from 64-82 grams, while females, being smaller in size, weigh approximately 42-64 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
These birds inhabit North and Central America extensively. They are also found widely in the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. They predominantly inhabit freshwater and saltwater marshes but can also be found in open fields and pastures, particularly during the winter.
5. Interesting Facts
Red-winged Blackbirds are fiercely territorial and are not afraid to attack larger birds, and even humans who venture too close to their nests. Males are also polygynous, with up to 15 mates in their territory during a breeding season. The Red-winged Blackbird is considered a symbol of change in native American culture.
6. Diet
Red-winged Blackbirds have a varied diet, feeding on plant matter like seeds and berries. They also eat insects, small mammals, crustaceans, snails, and small fishes.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Red-winged Blackbirds are known for their hearty, somewhat discordant song, which is often described as a ‘conk-la-ree’ sound with accompanying trills. Males perch conspically and engage in song and flight displays to attract females and establish territory. Their nests are typically built low over water or marshy land and secured to upright stems or twigs.
8. Conservation Status
This species is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. This is due to their broad geographic range and large population size. However, their numbers have significantly decreased over the last 40 years due to loss of wetland habitats and changes in farming practices.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, they usually live up to two years, but some individuals have been known to live up to 16 years.
10. Additional Notes
In Mexico, they are referred to as “tordos militares”. This species plays a significant role in pest control, as it feeds on agricultural pests. However, they are also considered pests themselves when they congregate in large numbers, causing significant crop damage. At dusk, they form large roosts sometimes consisting of several million birds. The spectacular sight of these large communal roosting events has been described as one of North America’s great natural wildlife phenomena.
