Red-winged Blackbird at the Anacostia

Red-winged Blackbird on a branch

Michael Herrera

The Redwinged Blackbird is a fairly common bird to see along the Anacostia River Watershed. With its distinct red stripe on its wings, you will often see it in the marsh and wetland environments.

Physical description:

The Red Winged Blackbird is one species with stark sexual dimorphism. The males are easy to recognize. They are all back except for the bright reddish-yellow patches on their wings. The females are brown with dark streaks on the breast. They are small birds, weighing anywhere between 30-70g and a wingspan between 12-16in.

Locality:

Besides marshes, Red-winged Blackbirds prefer open fields, meadows, and any place with tall grasses. They live in most of North America. They occupy most of the continental United States year-round. Those that migrate spend the breeding season in Canada, then migrate south as the temperatures drops.

Population Status:

The Red-Winged Blackbird has the status of “Least Concern” by the IUCN. There are over 200 million individuals worldwide. Their breeding season begins as early as February and last through the spring and summer. A female can have up to two broods per season with 2-4 eggs per brood.

Trophic Level / Diet:

Red-winged Blackbirds are primary consumers. Their diet consists of insects and seeds.

 

Calling Red-Winged Blackbird on a cattail

Michael Herrera

Scienfic Name: Agelaius phonecieus

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Passeriformes

Family: Icteridae

Genus: Agelaius

Species: Agelaius phonecieus