The Marshland Messenger You’ve Probably Met
You have more than likely come across one—a striking black bird perches on a cattail while projecting a shrill ‘conk-la-ree’. It is not a bird, it is a territorial warning and declaration. That’s a Red Winged blackbird male – a familiar face and voice across North America. But what about the female? You might have passed right by her without a second glance.
“She looks nothing like the male,” says bird expert Laura Erickson. “And that’s precisely the reason why.”
In this guide, we will assist you in telling apart both male and female red-winged blackbirds, outline top behaviors, bust some myths, and explain the confusion surrounding those black birds with orange on wings.
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Understanding the Red Winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus, commonly known as the ‘red winged blackbird’, is one of the most widely distributed birds in North America. They can be found in marshes, meadows, floodplains, and even in roadside ditches from Alaska all the way to Florida. The black bird with red wings is known for their vibrant portrayal, singing in hyper sophisticated mating songs and that complex, multifaceted family deck of cards that constitutes its extensive social kin.
As popular as they are, female red-winged blackbird are poorly recognized at best, and many other birds are mistaken for them. It is time to explore why they are so special.
Identifying a Red Winged Blackbird
In this part, we will discuss how to identify the female and the male individual. This is important because they appear to be completely two different birds.
Male Red Winged Blackbird
- Looks Like: A streamlined black bird with orange wings on the shoulders.
- Size: Approximately 7 to 9.5 inches in length, with wings measuring 12 to 16 inches.
- Unique Trait: The orange epaulet is important for social and courtship activities.
With bright wing patches, especially red and yellow, males are able to attract the eyes of females as well as defend territories. This is why you will see them strutting their shoulders when other males approach their territory.
Did You Know?
It is not every day you see birds hiding their colors to evade a fight. Male blackbirds with red wing can lower their red insignias to avoid confrontation. Now that’s diplomatic evasiveness!
Female Red Winged Blackbird
- Looks Like: A brown streaky bird that looks like a giant sparrow.
- Key features: Pale eyebrows and lightly streaked breast, along with some other features with a slightly contoured bill.
- Mistaken For: House and song sparrows and other brown, similar-looking birds.
From the outside, female Red winged blackbirds aim to throw you off. She builds dominantly in reeds and tall grasses while constructing nests for baby birds. She hopes to stay out of detection range by virtue of her scheme.
Tip: Noticing a streaked brown bird within a marshy area and hearing a male calling close by is most probably a female red-winged blackbird.
Where To Find Red Winged Blackbirds
These birds do well in numerous environments, but their favorite is wetlands.
- Marshes: Their rich habitat, particularly during spring and summer.
- Fields: They are commonly seen foraging in vegetated zones.
- Roadsides: No discrimination; they readily accept altered environments.
- Woodland Edge: Sighted seldom, but some do show up.
During the breeding season, males establish a territory, which is usually a cattail patch, and attempt to impress as many females as possible. Some males may have up to 15 females nesting in their domain.
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Social Behavior of Red Winged Blackbird
Red wing blackbirds have complex social behaviors accompanied by their loud, ringing calls. They can also be heard exhibiting social aggression towards other blackbirds.
Polygynous – Mating System
The nesting habits of females also show great differences among each species. One male will possess multiple mates throughout different regions, without providing parenting help. He will heavily defend his territory from other males.
Nesting: All About the Female
Every female blackbird constructs the nest by intertwining live grasses and reeds into a cup-shaped nest, which is where the egg/child will be placed. She will single-handedly raise the child/children. The couple will lay multi colored eggs with a total of 3-5 eggs per clutch.
Seasonal Diet Changes: Survive With Ease
- Secondary: Insects like beetles, caterpillars, and locusts are more abundant in spring and summer
- Primary: During fall and winter, seeds and other grains will become more common.
Shifting dietary habits allows these organisms to live in harsher climates.
Myths About Red Winged Blackbird
Even with plenty of myths surrounding the Red-Wing Blackbird, they remain one of the most studied birds in North America. The myths surrounding the bird remain intertwined with its reality. Let’s set the record straight once and for all.
Myth 1: Males are the Only Ones Who Sing
This is incorrect. Even though the black-winged reeds do adorn selections from male-led songs predominantly, females do participate in the chorus as well. Maternity offers a different, sometimes quieter perspective, or rather, adds a new dimension to singing.
Myth 2: Rare or Endangered Species
No way. Red black wings are one of the most common and abundant birds of the continent. Presently, it enjoys a staggering population of over 150 million.
Myth 3: The Absence of Hostility
Opening does not extend violence. The presence of red epaulets announcing combat allows concealment of feathers further to avoid unnecessary clashes.
Myth 4: Advanced Aggression
Most males tend to avoid fighting, which is smart, as it offers the ultimate X factor to contest every single stand-off.
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Are Female Red Winged Blackbirds Aggressive?
You would think only the males claim territory, and get defensive if it’s challenged—but not in this case.
The Reality of Female Aggression
Mother blackbirds are protective. While not specifically known to dive bomb people like the males, the females do defend the nest with unrelenting fury.
- Chases: They will chase away other female blackbirds, small birds, and rodents that come too close.
- Alarm Calls: They give sharp, scolding notes to warn chicks or signal impending danger.
- Silent Guards: Females, unlike males, who use a herald blend into the background as they guard the nest site. Instead of boasting about where they are.
Thus, while termed ‘aggression’ is subtle in form, it is undeniable that red black female blackbirds are remarkably tough when it is a question of life and death for their offspring.
What Makes the Red-Winged Blackbird So Unique?
This bird is unique not only for its striking appearance and song but also for its complex behavior and great adaptability.
- Huge Flocks: Outside breeding season, they unite with other blackbirds and starlings to form great flocks.
- Smart Defenders: Males dive-bomb people they perceive as threats, remembering incredibly specific intruders, right down to a person’s face.
- Animal Dominance ‘Conk-La-Ree!’: An animal can already be spotted claiming territory. Their readiness to mark territory as well as size is conveyed through the iconic song ‘conk-la-ree!’
These birds can live up to 2 years in the wild, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and if they are kept in captivity.
Consider These Ideas
The red winged blackbird is more than a blackbird with red accents. It represents the balance between flamboyance and restraint, violence and care. Both the male and female of the species, bold and nurturing respectively, contribute valuable skills to the ecosystem they inhabit.
Now, when you hear the famous ‘conk-la-ree!’ from the marsh, you better listen because a new world of drama, beauty, and instinct is waiting for you beyond the reeds.