Home, near and far.
This species breeds from Alaska and Newfoundland south through the United States to Mexico and Guatemala, with isolated populations in parts of Central America. It is found throughout most of North America.
Birds Heard
FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
New World Blackbirds, Troupials, and Allies
Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
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.
Wetland resident, migratoryMedium-sizedVaried song, callsOmnivorous
- Length
- 17-23 cm
- Wingspan
- 30-41 cm
- Weight
- 31-77 g
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
You’ll know it
when you see it.
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
- 01
Adult Male
Glossy black plumage with prominent scarlet shoulder patches, typically bordered with yellow. These patches can be concealed.
- 02
Adult Female
Heavily streaked brown overall, resembling a large sparrow, with a sharp bill and often a yellowish wash on the face and throat.
- 03
Juvenile
Similar in appearance to the adult female, with streaky brown coloration.
- 04
Shoulder Patches (Bicolored)
In central California, some males, historically referred to as "Bicolored Blackbirds," have entirely red shoulder patches without a yellow border.
02 / A place in the world
Where life
takes it.
Red-winged Blackbirds breed in freshwater and brackish marshes, brushy swamps, wet fields, and along the edges of water bodies. Outside the breeding season, they can be found in open cultivated lands, pastures, and feedlots.
Stay a while. Or follow the season.
Northern populations are migratory, moving south to Mexico and the southern United States for winter. Some populations are year-round residents, particularly in southern areas. During migration and winter, they form large, sometimes mixed-species, flocks.
03 / Listen a little closer
A voice
of its own.
Males sing a liquid, gurgling song, especially when displaying. They also have various calls, including a simple "chack" and a high-pitched "peteeett," as well as alarm calls near the nest.
04 / The life behind the feathers
A day in its world.
On the menu.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, especially during summer, including beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. Seeds, including those from grasses, weeds, and waste grains, make up a significant portion of their annual diet, particularly outside the breeding season. They also consume some berries and small fruits.
Red-winged Blackbirds forage in various open habitats such as fields and mudflats. They often feed on the ground and will visit feeders for mixed grains and seeds.
A place to begin.
Nesting typically occurs from April to July, with nests usually built near water in emergent vegetation like cattails, rushes, or sedges, sometimes in shrubs or trees. Females build the nest and incubate 3-5 eggs for 11-12 days.
The little routines.
Males are polygynous, often mating with multiple females within their defended territory. They are highly territorial during breeding season, displaying their red shoulder patches and chasing intruders. Outside of breeding, they are gregarious, forming large roosting flocks.
One more reason to pay attention
A familiar face.
A few surprises.
The scientific name *Agelaius phoeniceus* roughly translates from Greek to "scarlet flock member," referencing the male's wing patch and the species' social nature.
Male Red-winged Blackbirds spend over a quarter of their daylight hours defending their territories during the breeding season.
Different populations and subspecies can vary in size and proportions, with environmental factors influencing these differences.
05 / An eye for the difference
Could it be
someone else?
Brewer's Blackbird
Euphagus cyanocephalusMale Brewer's Blackbirds are entirely glossy black without red shoulder patches; females are duller brown and less streaked than female Red-winged Blackbirds.
Common Grackle
Quiscalus quisculaCommon Grackles are larger with a longer tail and iridescent black plumage, lacking the distinct red and yellow shoulder patches of male Red-winged Blackbirds.
Bobolink
Dolichonyx oryzivorusFemale Red-winged Blackbirds can resemble sparrows but have a spikier bill and darker lower belly than Bobolinks.
Behind these field notesResearch & references · 11 sources
AI-assisted species research. Prepared September 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.