Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
Perching
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 |
Female |
Agricultural
Marsh / swamp
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: 13 Jul, 2017
- Date accessed:
- Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/red-winged-blackbird
APA Style
Dr. Biology. (Thu, 07/13/2017 - 15:37). Red-winged Blackbird. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/red-winged-blackbird
Chicago Manual of Style
Dr. Biology. "Red-winged Blackbird". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 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. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/red-winged-blackbird
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