Red Winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Identification
This species has black males with red shoulder patches and streaked brown females.
Location
Common statewide
Size
1.5 ounces
Diet
It feeds on insects seeds and grains.
Habitat
It occurs in marshes and fields.
Activity Period
March to November
Behavior
It is territorial and nests in marsh vegetation. It migrates south in winter.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring.
Population
The population is stable statewide.
History
It has long been abundant in Ohio.
Human Interactions
It often interacts with humans near farms.
Facts
It is one of the earliest returning migrants.
Sources
ODNR NatureServe
Insects seeds grains | Marshes fields meadows | Statewide