Red-Winged Blackbird

The majority of North America and parts of Central America are home to the Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), a passerine bird of the Icteridae family. It has been asserted that the red-winged blackbird is the most numerous land bird in North America, as evidenced by censuses of wintering red-winged blackbirds that occasionally reveal loose flocks of more than a million birds each, as well as peak years when the total number of breeding pairs in North and Central America may exceed 250 million. It is also one of the most extensively researched wild bird species worldwide.

The mature male red-winged blackbird's conspicuous red shoulder patches, or epaulets, which are seen when the bird is flying or performing, are the source of the species' popular name. The male also has a light yellow wingbar when at repose. Males under one-year-old, who are often subservient, have smaller and more orange markings than adults. The female has a lower, lighter blackish-brown tone. Young birds resemble the female, except they have buff feather fringes and are paler below. The bill of both sexes is acutely pointed. The tail is rounded and modest in length. Black characterizes the foot, beak, and eyes.