The Birds Return! A closer look at the common Red-winged Blackbirds

The days are long, the ice is melting, and our feathery friends are starting to return from their wintering grounds. One of the earliest arrivals is the Red-winged Blackbird, who will start to appear in Ontario in February, returning from the United States or further south. 

Millions of birds fly north to breeding grounds across Canada – even reaching large portions of the Yukon and Northwest Territories – including the Red-winged Blackbird. These birds are commonly seen and heard throughout Central Ontario from March onward. Check out a cool animation of the Red-winged Blackbird’s movements on eBird’s website here. 

As they migrate, Red-winged Blackbirds are often seen traveling in flocks with a slightly larger bird, the Common Grackle. Upon arrival, these two species will often breed and nest in the same marshes (Wiens, 1965). 

Upon arrival to their respective marshes or upland areas, Red-winged Blackbirds build a cup-shaped nest within clusters of cattails or shrubs. Watch this cool video to watch Red-winged Blackbird parenting in action. Both parents will help feed their young a range of insects and spiders, differing from the adult diet of primarily seeds, grains, and berries. The males will aggressively defend their territory against other birds.

In spring, the male Red-winged Blackbird is easily recognizable with a solid black body, and bright shoulder patches (known as “epaulets”) that are red and orange. They love attention, and can often be seen calling out while perched on a branch or tall cattail. Adult females arrive at their breeding grounds about 5 to 10 days later, giving the males enough time to establish a territory (Wiens, 1965). More subtle in both colouring and behaviour, the female Red-winged Blackbird’s feathers are streaked with brown and white, but may have a faint red or rust-coloured shoulder patch. See if you can spot them weaving in and out of marsh vegetation!

Many male birds perform dances, calls, or peculiar movements as a mating display in the hopes of attracting a lady bird. In the spring the air is filled with different melodic (or somewhat screechy) sounds. If you hang around outside wetlands you may notice the male Red-winged Blackbird’s conspicuous display. From a prominent perch, he will hold his wings outward, fluff up his bright red wing patches, and belt out a loud gurgling call – how attractive! Click here to see a video of this display. Red-winged Blackbirds are polygynous (meaning that one male breeds with multiple female partners): it is not uncommon for them to have up to 15 partners per season!

While watching courtship displays can be fun for birders, it is important to remember to keep your distance. Interrupting a displaying bird could scare away potential partners, reducing their potential to have offspring. Give breeding birds some space, and keep your binoculars ready.

Red-winged Blackbirds are one of the most easy-to-spot birds in Ontario’s wetlands, and one of the earliest migrants to arrive after winter. This makes them a familiar, and joyful sight. Keep your eyes open as you drive or walk through their habitat, and rejoice as their calls greet the returning spring!