Red-winged blackbird

(Agelaius phoeniceus)

The red-winged blackbird is one of the first migratory birds to arrive in the spring. They perch on wetland reeds, at the tallest points -- where they sing to establish territory. If their nest is approached, they may dive and attack.

Identified by the red tinge on the shoulder and throat, red-winged blackbirds feed, fly and roost in flocks.
photo by Mary Tremaine for the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology


Fledgling red-winged blackbird emerges from nest and tries her wings.
photo by Tim Burke