Red-Winged Blackbird

NPS/Gordon Dietzman Bird Home Introduction The red-winged blackbird's scientific name Agelaius is from the ancient Greek word agelaios, which means "belonging to a flock." During migration and on wintering areas, these birds can be found in flocks numbering in the hundreds of thousands. They are arguably the most common bird on the North American continent and are often the first migratory birds seen in the spring by winter-weary Minnesotans. In Minnesota, red-wings are widely distributed across the state. They feed on mostly seeds and insects and will come to bird feeders, provided there is suitable breeding habitat nearby. Red-winged blackbirds are great fun to watch in the spring as the males set up their territories. Listen for them singing from prominent perches and watch them ruff their wings when other males approach. Chases may also occur until territorial boundaries are mutually agreed upon. Fascinating Facts Male red-wings are polygynous and may have up to three mates each summer. Males defend territories of up to 1/4 acre by displaying their red patches to other males and by calling. Identification Key ID Features: Males are black with red and yellow patches on wing. Females are brown above with heavily streaked breasts. Present in Park: March through October. Look for them along the floodplain lakes, such as Pickerel Lake (Lilydale Regional Park), Lake Rebecca (Hastings, MN) or Crosby Lake (Crosby Farm Regional Park). Find red-winged blackbirds in the park. Habitat: Open fields, marshes and wetlands. Well-built cup nests are found in marsh vegetation and sometimes upland fields. Voice: The most familiar call is the male's nasal "konk-la-ree".