Perching

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus
Red-winged Blackbird thumbnail
Length: 9 in. (22 cm )
Primarily a marsh-inhabiting bird, this blackbird feeds on emerging aquatic insects during the summer. In the winter, large flocks move from often swampy night roosts to spend time foraging in agricultural fields, cow lots and other open areas for seeds. Each breeding male can have up to 14 females and nests on his territory depending on the abundance of food. The nest is woven from grass and sedge and placed in vegetation just above the water\s surface. The bright red epaulet of the male is used to advertise dominance and attract females.'

The four-digit banding code is RWBL.

Male | Herbert Clarke

Female | Richard Ditch


Agricultural

Marsh / swamp
Bird Sound Type: Electronic
Sex of Bird: Male
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Bird Sound Type: Electronic
Sex of Bird: Male
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Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Red-winged Blackbird
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: July 13, 2017
  • Date accessed: March 7, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/red-winged-blackbird

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (2017, July 13). Red-winged Blackbird. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved March 7, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/red-winged-blackbird

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Red-winged Blackbird". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 July, 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/red-winged-blackbird

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Red-winged Blackbird". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 7 Mar 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/red-winged-blackbird

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
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