Since I first spotted a Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) many years ago, I have always wanted to see one with its wings thrown wide — shoulders flared, the scarlet epaulets blazing in the sun. It was not until last month, at the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas, that I finally got my wish.
The Red-Winged Blackbird is a member of the Icteridae family and one of the most abundant birds in North America. Males are unmistakable: glossy black, with a bright red shoulder patch edged in yellow. Females, by contrast, wear a streaky brown that helps them disappear into the cattails and reed beds where they nest. They are surprisingly compact — about 6.7 to 9.1 inches (17 to 23 cm) long, with a wingspan of 12.2 to 15.8 inches (31 to 40 cm), and weighing only 1.1 to 2.7 ounces (32 to 77 g).
What they lack in size, they make up for in attitude. During breeding season, males perch atop reeds and slender branches, singing their bright “conk-la-ree!” and flashing those red shoulders at every rival in sight. The display I had been waiting years to witness — wings thrown wide, body braced against the perch — is essentially a billboard. It announces: “This is my territory, these are my females, and you, sir, are not welcome.”
I had photographed one earlier in the year at Garey Park in Georgetown, Texas — not far from home — perched beside a suet feeder (the featured image). He was striking, but a little guarded; the red patch barely peeked out from his folded wing. The Rio Grande Valley, however, gave me a different sort of bird. At the National Butterfly Center, the blackbirds were everywhere — on the ground beneath the trees, foraging in loose flocks, trading tail-flicks and sharp calls. And then, perched on the tip of a thin branch against an open sky, one of them threw his wings wide and held the pose just long enough for the shutter.
Years of watching, finally captured in a single frame. Sometimes the patient eye is rewarded.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Bird of the Week, Garey Park, Georgetown, Mission, National Butterfly Center, Parks, Red-Winged Blackbird, Texas, and Wildlife. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
Posted for I.J. Khanewala’s Birds of the Week Invitation CLXVII.
Sources
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “Red-winged Blackbird — Identification.” All About Birds. allaboutbirds.org.
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “Red-winged Blackbird — Overview.” All About Birds. allaboutbirds.org.
- Yasukawa, K., and W. A. Searcy. “Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus).” Birds of the World, Cornell Lab of Ornithology. birdsoftheworld.org.
- National Audubon Society. “Red-winged Blackbird.” Audubon Field Guide. audubon.org.
- Animal Diversity Web. “Agelaius phoeniceus — red-winged blackbird.” University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. animaldiversity.org.
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Anita
Such a beautiful series Egidio. That full-wing display is truly spectacular, a moment worth waiting for.
Egidio Leitao
I was lucky to see that. Thanks for commenting.
margaret21
What a lovely – and surprising – bird. Thanks for sharing your great photos- fine memories for you too!
Egidio Leitao
It really is a fine memory, Margaret. Thanks.
I. J. Khanewala
What a spectacular bird. You have lovely photos. Interesting that that flock that you photographed foraging does not have a single female in it. Is that common? Do males and females forage separately?
Egidio Leitao
Interesting observation. I don’t know about that fact. I know that males are very territorial and polygynous. It is odd that my photo does not show a female clearly. Thanks for the feedback.
Lindy Le Coq
Beautiful!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Lindy.
Anne Sandler
What a capture Egidio! The red-winged black birds I’ve seen don’t have that yellow yours show. Is that a southern thing?
Egidio Leitao
They could be females or first-year males. Thanks for the feedback.
shoreacres
I grew up with these birds a constant companion, perched stop Iowa cornstalks!
Egidio Leitao
They are striking birds.