Are Red-winged Blackbirds rare to see?

No, red-winged blackbirds are not rare to see. In fact, they are one of the most abundant and widespread bird species in North America. Red-winged blackbirds can be found across most of the United States and Canada in open, marshy areas near water. With an estimated population of over 200 million, red-winged blackbirds are extremely common in the right habitat. Their distinctive jet-black color and bright red shoulder patches make them easy to identify. While not rare, red-winged blackbirds are declining in some areas due to habitat loss. But overall, they remain one of the most numerous and frequently observed birds across much of North America.

Where are Red-winged Blackbirds Found?

Red-winged blackbirds have an extensive range across North and Central America. They breed from Alaska and Newfoundland south throughout most of the continental United States, and further south to Panama. They are abundant summer residents in wetlands across much of southern Canada and the United States.

In winter, most red-winged blackbirds from the northern parts of the range migrate south. They can be found wintering along the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America. Some red-winged blackbirds may remain in warmer areas year-round.

Across their range, red-winged blackbirds inhabit open, wet habitats near water. This includes marshes, swamps, wet meadows, pond edges, and slow-moving streams and rivers. They thrive in agricultural areas and are often found in ditches, fields, and pastures with dense, low vegetation.

Key Locations

Some key areas where red-winged blackbirds are abundant include:

• Throughout the Great Lakes region of the U.S. and Canada
• Along the Atlantic coast from Maine to North Carolina
• Across the Great Plains and Midwest from Canada to Texas
• Along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Baja California
• Throughout the south-central U.S. from Texas to Florida

In winter, high concentrations can be found in agricultural areas and wetlands of California, coastal Texas, and central Mexico.

Red-winged Blackbird Identification

Male red-winged blackbirds are unmistakable in their appearance. They are medium-sized songbirds, around 6.5-9.5 inches (16-24 cm) in length.

Some key identification features include:

• All black plumage except for red shoulder patches (“epaulets”)
• Bright red patches bordered by yellowish white
• A pointed bill and fairly long, rounded tail
• Yellow eyes and black legs/feet

Females and juveniles have more streaked, brownish plumage. They lack the red shoulder patches, though females may show faint red smudges. The eye is whitish rather than yellow. Immature males gradually acquire the black adult plumage and red epaulets with age.

When perched, the male’s red shoulder patches are clearly visible. When flying, the patches are tucked in, so only the black plumage is seen. Males often puff out the feathers on their back when agitated.

Similar Species

No other birds within the red-winged blackbird’s range are easily confused when the male’s red epaulets are visible. Some similarly sized blackbirds like the tricolored blackbird lack red patches. Females may be mistaken for large sparrows or blackbirds. But the conical bill, streaked underparts, and behavior when seen clearly are reliable identification cues.

Red-winged Blackbird Behavior

Red-winged blackbirds exhibit a polygynous breeding system. Males attract up to 15 females to nest in their territory. They are fiercely territorial and aggressively defend their nesting area from intruders and predators.

Males perform dramatic territorial displays. Perched on a high, exposed perch, they point their bill up and spread and puff up their epaulets and back feathers. This visual display is accompanied by loud calls described as “konk-a-ree!” The male will attack anything that ventures too close.

Females alone build a basket-like nest low in shrubs or grass. They lay 3-5 eggs that hatch after 11-14 days. The altricial young fledge from the nest after about 10 days. Redwings raise two broods per season across most of their range.

Outside the breeding season, redwings form large flocks numbering in the tens or hundreds of thousands. Huge congregations roost communally in wetlands at night. During the day, the flocks break up to forage in fields and farmlands. They mainly eat seeds, grain, and insects.

Red-winged blackbirds are migratory over the northern parts of their range. Northern birds migrate south in fall and spend winters in the southern U.S. and Mexico. As spring approaches, they return to more northerly breeding grounds.

Red-winged Blackbird Population Trends

Red-winged blackbirds remain an abundant and widespread species. According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, populations are estimated at:

• 190 million in the U.S. and Canada
• 80 million breeding adults in the U.S.
• 70 million breeding adults in Canada

They are the second most abundant breeding bird in North America after the European starling. However, data does show declining populations in some regions, particularly in the Canadian Prairies.

The table below summarizes breeding population trends by region from 1966-2015, based on Breeding Bird Survey data:

So while redwings are declining in parts of eastern and central North America, they remain extremely abundant across their range as a whole.

Threats and Conservation

The loss of wetland habitat is believed to be the largest threat facing red-winged blackbird populations. Draining and filling of marshes for development has reduced nesting and roosting sites.

Pesticide use may also pose a threat, as redwings congregate in large numbers in agricultural fields outside the breeding season. Climate change and drought may also degrade wetland habitats in certain regions.

Preserving wetland habitats across North America is the most important conservation need. Restricting pesticide use where redwings are known to forage could also benefit populations. monitoring impacts of climate change will be important going forward as well.

As one of the most numerous bird species on the continent, redwings remain common across their range. But habitat protection and management will be needed to stabilize populations in areas of decline like the Canadian Prairies.

Interesting Red-winged Blackbird Facts

Here are a few more interesting facts about red-winged blackbirds:

• The scientific name is Agelaius phoeniceus. Agelaius is Latin for “a flocking bird”.
• They are sexually dimorphic – males and females have markedly different plumages.
• Males weigh about 50% more than females on average.
• Redwings are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders.
• They occasionally consume small fish, frogs, seeds, and fruit in addition to insects and grains.
• Breeding males live on average for 2 years, but the oldest known was 15 years old.
• Clutches are usually 3-5 eggs, though up to 7 have been recorded.
• Their song is described as a throaty “chuck-brrr” and clear “conk-a-ree!”
• They are considered a polygynous species, with males mating with up to 15 females.
• Flocks fly in a distinctive V formation.

Conclusion

In summary, red-winged blackbirds are a very common and widespread species found across wetlands in North and Central America. With a large population estimated at 190 million, they remain abundant throughout their range despite some regional declines. The bright red shoulder patches make breeding males unmistakable. Their loud, territorial displays and tendency to flock in huge numbers make them one of the most recognized and observed birds across much of the continent. While not rare, maintaining wetland habitats will be important for the red-winged blackbird’s future conservation.