Songs
The male Red-winged Blackbird’s conk-la-ree! is a classic sound of wetlands across the continent. The 1-second song starts with an abrupt note that turns into a musical trill. Males often sing from a high perch while leaning forward, drooping their wings, spreading their tail feathers, and fluffing their bright shoulder patches to show them off. Females give a very different song in response to a singing male, a series of three to five short chit or check notes.
Calls
- Song, calls
Recorded by Richard W. Simmers
- Check call
Recorded by Randolph S. Little
Oregon June 1997
- Pink call
Recorded by Randolph S. Little
Oregon June 1997
- Tjeet call
Recorded by Randolph S. Little
Oregon June 1997
- Harsh rattles
Recorded by Geoffrey A. Keller
California May 2002
Courtesy of Macaulay Library
© Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
The typical call of a Red-winged Blackbird is a distinctive, matter-of-fact check that’s fairly easy to recognize. Males and females make these calls all year round, in flight and while feeding, when confronting rivals and to raise an alarm. They also give a more intense alarm call, a fast, scolding chak chak chak.
Backyard Tips
Red-winged Blackbirds may come to your yard for mixed grains and seeds, particularly during migration. Spread grain or seed on the ground as well, since this is where Red-winged Blackbirds prefer to feed.
Find This Bird
You can find Red-winged Blackbirds in the breeding season by visiting cattail marshes and other wetlands, or simply by watching telephone wires on a drive through the country. Where there’s standing water and vegetation, Red-winged Blackbirds are likely to be one of the most common birds you see and hear. Listen for the male’s conk-la-lee! song. In winter, search through mixed-species blackbird flocks and be careful not to overlook the streaky, brown females, which can sometimes resemble a sparrow.
Get Involved
Watch your feeders in winter and report your bird counts to Project FeederWatch
How Red-wings Elude Eavesdroppers
Have you seen Red-winged Blackbirds? Learn how to monitor their nests and report your observations to NestWatch
Visit eBird to explore maps and charts showing where Red-winged Blackbirds are throughout the year. Contribute your sightings!