Red-winged Blackbird

birds · North America · marsh birds · colorful

Bold black plumage. Male red-winged blackbirds are almost completely black, but their shoulder patches (called epaulets) flash brilliant red and yellow that they can show or hide. Females are much more brown and streaky, and people often don't recognize them as the same species.

Loud and territorial. These birds make a loud, distinctive song that sounds like 'conk-la-ree' and they sing it over and over from tall marsh grasses. Males are super territorial and will defend their little patch of wetland against other males all spring and summer.

Marsh lovers. Red-winged blackbirds live in cattail marshes and wetlands where they find insects, seeds, and bugs to eat. They build their nests woven between marsh plants, tucked safely above the water where predators can't easily reach them.

Big range. These birds live almost everywhere in North America and Central America, from Alaska down to Guatemala. Northern birds fly south for winter, but some in Pennsylvania and British Columbia stay put year-round if it's not too cold.

One male, many mates. Male red-winged blackbirds are unusual because one male often has several female mates in his territory, and each female raises her own babies. The bright red shoulders help males attract mates and look impressive to other males.