Woodline Ranch Avian Life Directory

Red-Winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

An iconic bird of Texas wetlands and pasture margins. Males display jet-black plumage with fiery red and yellow shoulder epaulets used in territorial displays.

Field Identification: Male: jet-black body with brilliant red and yellow shoulder patches (epaulets). Female: heavily streaked brown body resembling a large sparrow.

Texas & Hill Country Notes: Males can puff out their red shoulder epaulets and flare their tails while singing "conk-la-ree!" to defend nest territories. A single male Red-winged Blackbird may defend a territory containing up to 15 breeding females.

Taxonomy & Status

Family: Troupials and Allies (Icteridae)

Order: Passeriformes

Residency: Year-round Resident

Conservation: Least Concern

Habitat & Diet

Habitat: Pond Edges, Wetlands & Grassland Margins

Diet: Insects, Weed Seeds, Grain, Caterpillars

eBird Code: rewbla

🪹 Nesting & Life History in Texas Hill Country

Nests in Texas Hill Country habitat around Woodline Ranch.

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