Agelaius
phoeniceus
(Red-winged Blackbird)
Physical
Description:
7-9 1/2"
(18-24 cm). Males are black except for red wing patches. Females are mottled
brown, black, and white with a white eyebrow.
Similar Species- Tricolored Blackbird, female Bobolink, juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird
Song:
Song
is a two-note cher-leeee. Calls a simple chuck.
Distribution:
Breeds
across portions of Canada, south to Baja California and Costa Rica. Winters
over much of U.S., especially in southern portions.
Habitat:
Found in freshwater and
brackish
marshes, in bushes and
small trees along watercourses, and in upland cultivated fields. During migration and in winter, also found
in open, cultivated lands, plowed fields, pastures, and prairies. Idaho study
found Red-winged Blackbirds avoided grazed riparian areas.
Diet:
Eats mayflies, moths,
beetles, caterpillars, grubs, mollusks, other invertebrates, and some fruits.
Approximately 73% of diet is vegetable matter, and 27% is animal matter.
Ecology:
Builds cup-shaped nest in reeds, over
or near water. Nests in loose groups; some territorial males have harems of up to 15 females. One
study reported density of territorial males averaged
0.2-0.7/ha in favorable habitat. gregarious; travels in large flocks, except during breeding
season. May travel in mixed flocks with cowbirds and grackles. Forages on ground,
or takes food from foliage or air. Species may be most abundant landbird in
North America.
3-5 eggs (usually 4) in
northern range, for 11-12 days. Nestlings are tended by both parents or, in some
areas, by female only; young are able to leave nest in about 10 days.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABPBXB0010 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S5,NTMB |
| National Rank: | N5 |
Important
State References:
Medin, D.E. and W.P. Clary. 1990. Bird
and small mammal populations in a grazed and ungrazed riparian habitat in Idaho.
USDA Forest Service Inter. Res. Sta. Res. Paper INT-245. 8pp.