Red-winged blackbirds are a common sight across much of North America. Male red-winged blackbirds are unmistakable with their striking plumage – jet black bodies and bright red shoulder patches called epaulets. Females are brown-streaked and lack the red patches. With a little knowledge, anyone can identify these birds. Here is a guide on how to identify a red-winged blackbird.

Appearance and Size

Males

All black plumage except for bright red shoulder patches (“epaulets”) on each wing. These red patches are outlined in light yellow.
The red shoulder patches are most visible when the wings are spread. When perched, the patches may be partially obscured.
Yellow eyeliner and pale yellow eyes.
Pointed black bill.
Short tail with white edges visible during flight.
Size ranges from 6.7 to 9.1 inches in length with a wingspan of 12.2 to 15.8 inches. Weighs 1.1 to 2.7 ounces.

Females

Mostly brown streaked plumage. Underparts are light brown and streaked. Back is darker brown.
Smaller in size compared to males. Ranges from 6.2 to 8.7 inches in length with a wingspan of 11.0 to 14.3 inches.
Lacks the red shoulder patches, instead having brown streaks on the wings.
Yellow eyeline as in males but eyes are darker brown.
Tail is rounded with white outer edges as in males.

Behavior and Habitat

Gregarious birds that travel and nest in colonies.
Male red-winged blackbirds are highly territorial. They defend their nesting territories with vocalizations and displays.
Often found perched on reeds and cattails near water. Favor wetlands, ponds, marshes, streams, and ditches.
Males perform display flights, flying up with the wings spread to expose the red patches.
Have a varied diet including insects, grains, and seeds. Will forage in open fields.
Migratory in northern parts of range. Spend winters in southern states and Mexico.

Song and Calls

Males sing a raspy “konk-a-ree” song from high perches to defend territories.
Other calls include metallic “chuck” notes and dry rattles.
Female red-winged blackbirds make soft “tuh-tuh” calls.
The sounds of the male red-winged blackbird song carries far and is a classic sound of wetlands across North America.

Similar Species

Brewer’s Blackbird – Males have yellow eyes versus red-winged blackbird’s pale yellow eyes. Purple-green gloss on body.

Common Grackle – Larger with longer tail and bill. Iridescent plumage. Yellow eyes.

Female Red-winged Blackbird – Distinguished from other female blackbirds by heavily streaked underparts.

Brown-headed Cowbird – Smaller with finch-like beak. Males are brown-black with glossy head. Females gray brown.

Rusty Blackbird – Breeds further north. Male is black with pale yellow eyes. Female is darker gray-brown versus red-winged blackbird.

Tips for Identification

Listen for the melodic “konk-a-ree” song of males emanating from marshes.
Scan for birds perched on cattails and reeds near water. Look for the flashes of red on the wings.
Check flocks of blackbirds foraging in fields for the smaller red-winged blackbirds mixed in.
Note yellow eyes and pale reddish patches on wings to distinguish from other blackbirds.
Females identified by heavy streaking on breast and back. Lacks red patch.
In flight, identify by white-edged tail spread during short glides.

FAQs

Where are red-winged blackbirds found?

Red-winged blackbirds breed across North America and down into northern South America. They are found year-round from southern Canada through Central America. Populations in northern states and Canada migrate south for the winter.

What do red-winged blackbirds eat?

Red-winged blackbirds are omnivorous, eating insects, spiders, grains, seeds, fruits and berries. They forage on the ground and in vegetation. Males will defend territories with good food sources.

Why are the blackbirds called “red-winged” blackbirds?

Male red-winged blackbirds have bright red and yellow shoulder patches on their wings that are very noticeable when the bird spreads its wings. These colorful patches give them their name.

Do both male and female red-winged blackbirds sing?

Only the males sing. The females make soft calls, but do not sing. The male’s song is used to declare his territory and attract mates.

What kind of habitat do red-winged blackbirds prefer?

Red-winged blackbirds prefer wetland habitats like marshes, streams, ponds and wet meadows. They nest in dense vegetation at the edges of water. During migration and winter they may frequent more open habitats.

Are red-winged blackbirds aggressive?

Male red-winged blackbirds are very territorial and aggressive in defending their nesting sites. They will chase away other birds that intrude, even much larger birds. Females are less aggressive.

Conclusion

Identifying the red-winged blackbird is straightforward once you know its field marks. Listen for the males’ raspy song emanating from wetlands and look for the flash of red on the wings. Females are best identified by their heavily streaked plumage. Learning the sounds, behavior, and preferred habitat of red-winged blackbirds will also aid in proper identification. With a little practice, anyone can confidently identify these common birds. The red-winged blackbird’s song is a sound of the marshes across much of North America.

How to Identify a Red-Winged Blackbird

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