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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. XVI
Field-journal plate: Red-winged Blackbird
The Red-winged Blackbird plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate XVI

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

Icteridae · Taxon 9744

Length6.7–9.1 in (17–23 cm)
Wingspan12.2–15.8 in (31–40 cm)
Weight1.1–2.7 oz (32–77 g)

Field marks

  1. Stocky, broad-shouldered blackbird with a slender, pointed conical bill.
  2. Adult male is glossy black with a vivid red shoulder patch usually edged yellow.
  3. Male shoulder patch can be partly concealed or raised prominently in display.
  4. Female and immature are dark brown and heavily streaked, with paler underparts and a pale eyebrow.
  5. Medium-length, squared-to-rounded tail; dark legs and feet.

HabitatMarshes and wetland edges, including fresh or saltwater marshes; also wet meadows, brushy swamps, fields, and waterside vegetation. Outside the breeding season, commonly uses open agricultural land, pastures, and grassland.

BehaviorMales perch conspicuously and display their shoulder patches while singing; females stay lower in dense vegetation. Forages mainly on the ground or among plants, and often forms large mixed flocks outside the breeding season.

Palette

glossy blackscarlet redgolden yellowdark brownbuff white