Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

Named for its iconic brilliant red spots, look for this blackbird in areas that combine standing water with places to perch and hide, such as wetlands and marshes with reeds and cattails growing nearby. Enthusiastically belting their o-ka-reeee call, the male is raucous and amusing to observe. They puff up while extending their neck, appearing to use their entire body to produce the sound. The female is less easily spotted since they are brown overall with white streaks on the chest, resembling a large sparrow. During the breeding season, the male becomes very territorial, protecting their turf by engaging in "mobbing" behavior to drive away intruders. Despite their small size, these birds are unafraid to take on much larger predators such as herons, hawks, ospreys, and even eagles.

Although they are one of the most numerous birds found in North America, these blackbirds are in decline. Habitat loss and climate change are the biggest factors affecting the population.