If you love birds, I am sure you hardly miss any flying over you in the vast skylines of unique tourist destinations. Bird-watching is probably a good pastime for many travellers. In Canada also, you will spot different birds while travelling across some natural landscapes. One of the most beautiful birds that can be spotted from the east to west coast of Canada is the Red-winged blackbird. However, their population is on the decrease now, still, it would be a delight to spot a few if you can.

Red-winged Blackbirds, also known by their scientific name Agelaius Phoeniceus, are exceedingly territorial. Still, they prefer to operate in flocks, especially males. By flocking with starlings during foraging, they take this socially active behaviour to the next level. Flocking is mandatory during migration in both winter and spring. As they are the sign in Canada that spring has begun.

Here, I’ll tell some interesting things about the Red-winged birds that you might have never heard of:

1. Appearance

First, let’s talk about the differences between a male and a female red-winged blackbird. Ever seen a documentary on birds? If yes, then you might be aware of the fact that the appearance of male and female birds belonging to the same species tends to differ.

Adult males dawn shiny black coats along with abstract shapes of red patches on the shoulder. A sharply pointed bill along with a ‘not very long ‘ and a ‘not very short’ tail completes the story. Usually, the tail of a male Red-winged blackbird is completely black, just like its body. Even the bills, claws, and eyes of the male Red-winged blackbirds are the perfect shade of black. Red shoulder patches, called epaulets, on the black satiny coat of male Red-winged blackbirds, act as an insignia for this species.

On the other hand, females are not at all black and don’t possess any red or crimson shoulder patches. Even if you spot a female red-winged blackbird, it is safe to say that you won’t recognize one until and unless you are an avid bird admirer. Yellowish hues around the face, especially on the chin, and brows, along with a faint red or rust tint on the shoulders, are some of the distinct physical features of female Blackbirds. There is not anything prominent about the tail, except that the tails of females are not black but possess the same round cut. Adult females of this species usually dawn a dark brown-streaked coat with no sign of black or red in sight.

2. Innate Nature

From being a short-distance migratory bird to an extremely territorial one, Red-winged blackbirds possess a one-of-a-kind nature or behaviour. With males settling for elevated venues like trees, fences, and telephone wires, females tend to lurk around lower grounds, vegetation, and marshes, all the while searching for perfect nesting spots.

3. Flapping Pattern of Wings

Reaching far-off destinations on time is a cakewalk for Red-winged blackbirds. Making rapid flappings at a fast pace to cut through the air, along with the spreading out of the tail enables birds of this species to cover massive distances during migration and foraging.

4. Eating Habits

From cracked corn, black oil sunflower seeds, wild fruit, and waste grain to hulled sunflower seeds and various other seeds, Red-winged blackbirds eat all these and more. Beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, spiders, millipedes, snails, and insects, are the top-rated delicacies of their meal plan. From on the ground to the trees and shrubs, Red-winged blackbirds can go anywhere looking for these delicacies.

As I said above, insects, weeds, and herbs are the most loved delicacies in the Red-winged blackbird’s diet chart. These gigantic flocks include both adults and chicks and they all together consume approximately 5.4 million kilograms of insects and unwanted herbs. Now, this devouring nature of Red-winged blackbirds benefits humans by ensuring natural and free pest control. Along with that, this diet menu of Red-winged blackbirds also restricts the growth of unwanted shrubs and herbs, which in turn ensures the growth of large trees.

5. Migratory Tradition

Red-winged blackbirds embark on migratory trips twice a year. Once in early spring from Mid February till mid-May and again at the beginning of the fall season- in winter from August and last through October. Their migratory pattern includes spring migration toward middle America and winter migration towards South America.

6. Mating Customs

The breeding season of this species begins at the last of April and lasts till the end of July, during the spring. And once the breeding season comes to an end and these birds are done raising 2-3 broods, they leave for winter migration.

Some Fascinating Facts About Red-Winged Blackbirds

1. In California, you may come across a type of male red-winged blackbird that lacks the yellow border around its red shoulder patches. Well, these birds are a California subspecies of Red-winged blackbirds and are referred to as ‘California Bicolored Blackbirds.’
2. Records show that a Red-winged blackbird can survive up to 15 years.
3. Migrating flocks of Red-winged blackbirds can retain a speed of 30m/hr.
4. These birds also possess a unique ability to hop backward while searching for food.
5. In Canada, the arrival of Red-winged blackbirds in spring is considered one of the first signs indicating the beginning of Spring.

I hope now you know much about these lovely birds; from appearance to nature or behaviour, these creatures are unique in every aspect and are jewels of nature. Unfortunately, the mindless activities of humans are causing these birds to face threats like habitat loss and food loss, as well as disrupting their natural behaviours. Knowing and understanding an amazing creature like the Red-winged blackbird from some informative writings doesn’t compare with the experience of observing it up close. So if you are an avid bird lover, then it is better to observe them up close in their natural habitat.

Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani