Red-winged blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus

Identification Tips:
     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.

Life History Groupings:  Migration Status:Short distance migrant

Breeding Habitat:  Wetland-open water: Nest Location:Ground-low nesting

Nest Type:  Open-cup

Clutch Size:  3-4

Diet:  Primarily:   Seeds    Lesser Quantities of: Insects