Tricolored blackbird Agelaius tricolor

Identification Tips:

• Length: 7.5 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 white
• Black plumage
• Immature male similar to female but has red shoulder

Adult female:

• Pale supercilium
• Heavily streaked breast
• Belly dark
• Upperparts black and white
• Sometimes has yellow tinge to face and throat
• Immature female similar to adult female

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. 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.