Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus · New World Blackbirds, Troupials, and Allies
The Red-winged Blackbird is a widespread and abundant passerine bird across North America, often signaling the arrival of spring with its distinctive song. Males are easily recognized by their striking plumage, while females are more subtly colored. These birds are highly social, especially outside of the breeding season, forming large flocks.
Explore the full field guideWetland resident, migratoryMedium-sizedVaried song, callsOmnivorous
93 calls·first heard Jun 26·last 44m ago
When it's heardpeak 7a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Glossy black plumage with prominent scarlet shoulder patches, typically bordered with yellow. These patches can be concealed.
- Heavily streaked brown overall, resembling a large sparrow, with a sharp bill and often a yellowish wash on the face and throat.
- Similar in appearance to the adult female, with streaky brown coloration.
- In central California, some males, historically referred to as "Bicolored Blackbirds," have entirely red shoulder patches without a yellow border.