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.
Common Names
| 🇨🇦 | Red-winged Blackbird |
| 🇫🇷 | Carouge à épaulettes |
| 🇩🇪 | Rotschulterstärling |
| 🇲🇽 | Tordo sargento |
Taxonomy
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
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 |
Explore More
📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.
🎧 Apple Podcast: About this species' biology, behavior and ecological importance.
Best Locations and Seasons for Sightings
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.
| 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 de la Cité | - | x | - | - |
| Parc de la Frayère | x | x | - | - |
| Parc des Rapides | x | x | - | - |
| Parc des Étangs Antoine-Charlebois | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | 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 my park visit journals.
Identification and Similar Species
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.
Captured Moments
Videos are hosted on YouTube. Click on a thumbnail to watch it.
Advertisement Call Recorded 2022-05-24 in Jardin Botanique Montréal 
Feeding Young Recorded 2020-06-06 in Parc Bernard-Landry
All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz
Last updated: 2025-01-10