Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a striking and highly territorial bird, easily recognized by the males' vibrant red shoulder patches. Found across North America, this species thrives in wetland habitats, where it fiercely defends its nesting sites along the shores of ponds and rivers.
| 🇫🇷 | Carouge à épaulettes |
| 🇩🇪 | Rotschulterstärling |
| 🇲🇽 | Tordo sargento |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
How to Identify
Males are predominantly black, distinguished by a vivid red patch on each wing. Females, while similar in size, exhibit brown and white plumage. Both coloration and behavior are key to identifying this species.
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Characteristics
| Length | 17-24cm |
| Weight | 41.5-64g |
| Wingspan | 16-28cm |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 eggs |
| Incubation | 11-13 days |
| Fledging | 11-14 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1-2 years |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Videos
Videos are hosted on YouTube. Click on a thumbnail to watch it.
Where and When to Spot
The best time to observe Red-winged Blackbirds is in early spring. As one of the first migratory birds to arrive, they settle along the shores of ponds and rivers. Males typically arrive first and are known for fiercely defending their small territories. This bird can be spotted in all parks around Montreal that feature natural habitats near water.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boisé Des Douze | x | - | - | - |
| Jardin Botanique de Montréal | x | x | - | - |
| Parc Angrignon | x | x | - | - |
| Parc Bernard-Landry | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | x | - | - | x |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | x | - | - | - |
| Parc de la Cité | - | x | - | - |
| Parc de la Frayère | x | x | - | - |
| Parc des Rapides, Lachine | x | x | - | - |
| Parc Île-de-la-Visitation | x | - | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.
Questions & Answers
Delve deeper into distribution, habitat, behavior, and ecological role of the Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus). Click on a question to uncover the answer.
Is the Red-winged Blackbird a migratory bird?
Yes, this species is indeed migratory. However, it's worth noting that some populations are resident year-round.
Does the Red-winged Blackbird have the same plumage for both sexes?
No. Males sport entirely black feathers adorned with scarlet-and-yellow shoulder patches, whereas females display a more subdued, dark brown coloring.
Is the Red-winged Blackbird polygamous?
Yes, this species indeed follows a highly polygamous mating system. A single male can have as many as 15 different females nesting within his territory.
Does the Red-winged Blackbird eat only insects?
No, its dietary preferences can shift seasonally. The diet includes seeds, grains, fruits, insects, spiders, worms, snails, and even small frogs and fish.
Is the Red-winged Blackbird one of the most numerous land birds?
Yes, in North America it ranks among the most numerous land birds, with an estimated population exceeding 200 million individuals.
Does the Red-winged Blackbird exhibit any social behaviors?
Yes, it displays various social behaviors, including the formation of large flocks during winter, communal roosting at night, and cooperation with other birds to mob predators or intruders.
Does the Red-winged Blackbird possess a complex vocal repertoire?
Yes. Males use songs for attracting females and signaling warnings to other males, while females use short calls for communication with their mate or chicks.
Does the Red-winged Blackbird face any predators?
Yes, this bird species has many predators, including hawks, owls, crows, ravens, snakes, raccoons, mink, and cats. Notably, the eggs and nestlings are particularly vulnerable to predation.
Does the Red-winged Blackbird possess physical adaptations for wetlands?
No, the bird lacks typical physical wetland adaptations like long legs and bill. Nonetheless, during breeding season it's commonly found in wetlands, along the shores of rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Does the Red-winged Blackbird have a long lifespan?
No, this bird species has a relatively short lifespan. On average, in the wild, it lives for about 2 years, with the maximum recorded lifespan being 16 years.
Does the Red-winged Blackbird nest in colonies?
No, the Red-winged Blackbird is not known for nesting in colonies. While they do densely inhabit areas around ponds or lakes, their nests are usually quite spaced apart.
Does the Red-winged Blackbird have any subspecies?
Yes, indeed, the Red-winged Blackbird is known to have at least 22 subspecies, with most of them displaying a nearly identical appearance. These subspecies primarily vary in terms of size, shape, and the coloration of their shoulder patches.