Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus

Identification Tips:

• Length: 7.25 inches
• Sharply-pointed bill
• Frequents marshy habitats in summer, open habitats at other times of year
• Often flocks with other species of blackbirds

Adult male:

• Bright red patch on wings bordered by yellow (border missing in some races)
• Black plumage
• Immature male similar to adult male but has pale supercilium and brown edges to black feathers

Adult female:

• Pale supercilium
• Heavily streaked underparts
• Upperparts brown and white
• Sometimes has yellow tinge to face and throat
• Females very dark in some races
• Juveniles similar to adult females

Similar species:

The male Red-winged Blackbird can be told from the male Tricolored Blackbird by its yellowish, not white, border to the red shoulder patch. Females are quite similar but Tricoloreds typically have darker bellies. Tricolored Blackbirds are only found in Oregon and California. Other species of blackbirds lack the red shoulder patch of the male and the streaked underparts of the female.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.