redwinged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.
IDENTIFICATION:
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Length: 7.25 inches
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Sharply-pointed bill
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Frequents marshy habitats in summer, open habitats at other times of year
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Often flocks with other species of blackbirds
Adult male:
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Bright red patch on wings bordered by yellow (border missing in some races)
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Black plumage
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Immature male similar to adult male but has pale supercilium and brown edges to black feathers
Adult female:
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Pale supercilium
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Heavily streaked underparts
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Upperparts brown and white
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Sometimes has yellow tinge to face and throat
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Females very dark in some races
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Juveniles similar to adult females
Similar species:
The male red-winged blackbird can be told from the male tricolored
blackbird by its yellowish, not white, border to the red shoulder patch.
Females are quite similar but tricoloreds typically have darker bellies.
tricolored blackbirds are only found in Oregon and California. Other
species of blackbirds lack the red shoulder patch of the male and the
streaked underparts of the female.
LIFE HISTORY
Migration Status: Short distance migrant
Breeding Habitat: Wetland-open water
Nest Location: Ground-low nesting
Nest Type: Open-cup
Clutch Size: 3-4
Length of Incubation: 10-12 days
Days to Fledge: 11-14
Number of Broods: 2, occasionally 3
Diet: Primarily seeds; lesser quantities of insects
SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE
Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.
Relative abundance
C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
numbers.
O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
sometimes low numbers.
R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.
Seasonal Occurrence
Sp - Spring: March, April, May C
Su - Summer: June, July, August C
Fall: September, October, November C
Winter: December, January, February
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