The Red Winged Black Bird is one of the most common black birds in our area, and the males are very recognizable with their all black feathers and reddish orange and yellow shoulder patch that can be tucked among their black feathers or left out in the open in full display. Females look completely different than the males, as they are a streaky brown all over and are often confused with sparrows.
Red Winged Black Birds prefer nesting around water sources, including marshes, wetlands, and ponds, and they typically build their woven nests among cat tails or other reed plants. Females take full responsibility for nest building and incubation, but the male provides some help with feeding the young.
Red Winged Black Birds are located in our area year-round and are one of the species of blackbird that form the huge flocks of blackbirds seen flying around in late fall through mid-spring. These birds are primarily ground foragers and are often seen hunting for food on foot, but will definitely visit bird feeders during late winter and early spring when ground food is less plentiful.
