Blackbird, Red-winged

Latin name: Agelaius phoeniceus 

Length, wingspan: 8.75″, 13″

What they eat: Insects and seeds during the summer months, seeds (esp. sunflower) during fall and winter.

Habitat: Marshes and other wetlands, grain fields.

Plants that attract: Wetland reeds, cattails, blackberry vines, agricultural areas.

Where they nest: Typically low to the ground in marshy areas, sometimes in shrubs or small trees.

My observations: I was certain blackbirds were members of the Corvidae family since they slightly resemble crows and ravens, but it turns out they’re members of Icteridae, which includes orioles and grackles. Flocks of red-winged blackbirds first started visiting our bird feeders during the winter of 2018/19. Ordinarily, one would expect to see them in a marshy area or along the shore of a lake, so this was a bit of a surprise. But they really seem to be enjoying the seeds we put out for our other bird visitors. The adult males have sleek black feathers and the telltale red and yellow feathers near the top of their wings. Females have more mottled brown and black plumage. These birds have a distinctive, rather gargling call. Funny story: when my husband and I used to get together with friends to watch birds a long time ago, there would occasionally be some folks new to birdwatching. You’d hear them ask “what’s that black bird with the red wings?” And, of course, everyone would musically chime back in unison, “It’s a red-winged blackbird!” 

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