Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus · New World Blackbirds, Troupials, and Allies
The Red-winged Blackbird is a familiar sight in wetlands and open fields across North America. Males are striking with their glossy black plumage and vibrant red and yellow shoulder patches, which they flash during their distinctive 'conk-la-ree' song. Females are streaky brown, often mistaken for large sparrows, and are more secretive.
Migrant22 cmMusical songInsects & seeds
32 calls·first heard May 27·last 47d ago
When it's heardpeak 6a · summer
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Males: all black with red and yellow shoulder patches.
- Females: streaky brown overall, paler underneath, often with a faint orange wash on the face.
- Listen for the male's loud, gurgling 'conk-la-ree' song from cattails or perches.