Agelaius phoeniceus

Most males have multiple females nesting in their territories. Up to 15 females have been found nesting within the territory of a single male, although the average number is 5 or fewer.
Photo Credit: Geoffrey A. Hammerson
Agelaius phoeniceus
Common Name: red-winged blackbird
Animal Guild: Bird
Class > Order > Family: Aves > Passeriformes > Icteridae
What does the species look like? Adult males are black with an orange-red and yellowish shoulder patch (colorful patch may be hidden; yellow part may be absent). Adult females are brownish and have a heavily streaked breast, a pale stripe over the eye, and may have reddish tones on the back or shoulders. Juveniles resemble adult females. The bill is straight and tapers to a point. Adults are about 8.75 inches (22 cm) long.
Where is the species found?
States & Provinces
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Distribution

Breeding range extends from southern Yukon across Canada to Nova Scotia, and south to Baja California, Costa Rica, western Cuba, and the northern Bahamas. This species winters over much of United Sates, especially in the southern part.

Habitat includes freshwater and brackish marshes, bushes and small trees along watercourses, and upland cultivated fields. In migration and winter, this blackbird also occurs in open cultivated lands, plowed fields, pastures, and prairies. Nests usually are near water, in cattails, rushes, or sedges, occasionally in shrubs or trees.
General Phenology and Life History Red-winged blackbirds withdraw from the northern part of the breeding range for winter, returning usually in February-March. Nesting begins in April-May in most areas, sometimes in late March, and may continue into July. Most clutches include 2-4 eggs. Incubation, by the female, lasts 11-12 days. Nestlings are tended by both parents or, in some areas, by the female only. Young are able to leave the nest in about 10 days. This species nests in loose groups; male territories may include up to several nesting females. Sexes tend to segregate in the nonbreeding season. This species may form huge winter roosts of up to several million birds.
Which phenophases should I observe?
Do you see/hear...?
Activity Live individuals
One or more individuals are seen or heard moving about or at rest.
More...

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Feeding
One or more individuals are seen feeding or foraging. If possible, record the name of the species or substance being eaten or describe it in the comments field.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Fruit/seed consumption
One or more individuals are seen eating the fleshy fruits, seeds, or cones of a plant. If possible, record the name of the plant or describe it in the comments field.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Insect consumption
One or more individuals are seen eating insects. If possible, record the name of the insect or describe it in the comments field.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Calls or song
One or more individuals are heard calling or singing.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Singing individuals
One or more individuals are heard singing. Singing refers to stereotypical, simple or elaborate vocalizations (most commonly by males) used as part of territorial proclamation or defense, or mate attraction. It does not include relatively simple calls used for other forms of communication.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Territorial individuals
One or more individuals are seen or heard defending a territory. This may be indicated by calls or song used as part of a territorial proclamation, chasing of an individual of the same species from a breeding area (but do not confuse this with courtship behavior, which in some species may involve chasing), or calls or displays directed at individuals of the same or a different species to defend a feeding area.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Reproduction Courtship
A male and female are seen near one another and are engaged in courtship behavior. Do not include male displays in the absence of a female.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Mating
A male and female are seen coupled in a mating position, usually with the male on top of the female.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Nest building
One or more adults are seen constructing a nest or carrying nesting material.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Occupied nest
One or more adults are seen sitting on a nest, entering or leaving a nest site under circumstances indicating its use for nesting (including nest defense behavior), or live eggs or nestlings are seen in a nest.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Development Nestlings
One or more young are seen or heard in a nest.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Fledged young
One or more young are seen recently departed from the nest. This includes young incapable of sustained flight and young which are still dependent on adults.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Dead individuals
One or more dead individuals are seen.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Dead nestlings or fledglings
One ore more dead nestlings or young are seen.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
Method Individuals at a feeding station
One or more individuals are seen visiting a feeder, feeding station, or food placed by a person.

For abundance, enter the number of individual animals observed in this phenophase.
What do these phenophases look like?

There is currently no photoguide available for this species. If you'd like help us create one, use the guidance document and species template provided here. Then send it via email to education@usanpn.org when it is complete.