8.75 inches long. The bill of the Red-winged Blackbird is sharply pointed. The adult male has deep glossy black plumage and a bright red patch bordered by yellow on the wings. The immature male is similar to the adult male but has a pale eyebrow and brown edges to the black feathers. The female looks considerably different and almost like a big sparrow. The upperparts are brown and white and the underparts are heavily streaked. There is a pale eyebrow and the face is sometimes tinged with yellow. Some females can be very dark. Juveniles are similar to adult females.
The Red-winged Blackbird is a common summer breeding bird that is present from March through October with occasional records in February and November.
The Red-winged Blackbird is believed to be one of the most numerous nesting birds in North America. It is seen in almost every marshy habitat and weedy ditch. During the breeding season the male bird aggressively defends its territory and prominently displays its red shoulder patch. After breeding season Red-winged Blackbirds can be found walking on the ground in open habitats. They often flock with other blackbird species. The song heard often during breeding season as a liquid “konk-aree” ending in a trill.
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