Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
Red-winged Blackbirds are common throughout Oregon and exhibit striking sexual dimorphism, meaning the males and females look quite different.
Male Red-winged Blackbirds in Oregon:
Overall Color: Males are predominantly a glossy, iridescent black.
Shoulder Patches (Epaulets): Their most distinctive feature is a broad bar of bright red-orange on their wing "shoulders," which is typically bordered with a contrasting yellow stripe. These patches are often puffed out during displays and singing.
Bill and Eyes: They have a slender, conical black bill and dark eyes.
Size: Males are generally larger than females.
Female Red-winged Blackbirds in Oregon:
Overall Color: Females are much less conspicuous than males. They are typically a subdued, mottled, or streaky brown overall.
Breast and Underparts: Their breast is often heavily streaked with darker brown.
Head: They usually have a pale or buffy "eyebrow" (supercilium) and sometimes a yellowish wash around the bill and throat.
Shoulder Patches: Unlike males, females generally lack the prominent red and yellow wing patches. While some older females may develop a hint of reddish or orange on their wings, it's usually much duller and less defined than on males.
Size: Females are smaller than males.
Behavior: Females tend to be more "skulky" and less conspicuous in their behavior, often staying lower in vegetation, especially during nesting, which helps with camouflage.
Key Differences and Why They Exist:
The striking difference in appearance, particularly the male's vibrant colors, is a classic example of sexual selection. The bright red and yellow patches on the male are used for attracting mates and defending territories. The more subdued brown plumage of the female provides camouflage, which is crucial for her safety while incubating eggs and raising young in open marshy habitats where they typically nest.
Juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds, regardless of sex, generally resemble the females with their streaky brown plumage. Young males will gradually acquire their black feathers and red wing patches as they mature.
Male Red-winged Blackbirds in Oregon:
Overall Color: Males are predominantly a glossy, iridescent black.
Shoulder Patches (Epaulets): Their most distinctive feature is a broad bar of bright red-orange on their wing "shoulders," which is typically bordered with a contrasting yellow stripe. These patches are often puffed out during displays and singing.
Bill and Eyes: They have a slender, conical black bill and dark eyes.
Size: Males are generally larger than females.
Female Red-winged Blackbirds in Oregon:
Overall Color: Females are much less conspicuous than males. They are typically a subdued, mottled, or streaky brown overall.
Breast and Underparts: Their breast is often heavily streaked with darker brown.
Head: They usually have a pale or buffy "eyebrow" (supercilium) and sometimes a yellowish wash around the bill and throat.
Shoulder Patches: Unlike males, females generally lack the prominent red and yellow wing patches. While some older females may develop a hint of reddish or orange on their wings, it's usually much duller and less defined than on males.
Size: Females are smaller than males.
Behavior: Females tend to be more "skulky" and less conspicuous in their behavior, often staying lower in vegetation, especially during nesting, which helps with camouflage.
Key Differences and Why They Exist:
The striking difference in appearance, particularly the male's vibrant colors, is a classic example of sexual selection. The bright red and yellow patches on the male are used for attracting mates and defending territories. The more subdued brown plumage of the female provides camouflage, which is crucial for her safety while incubating eggs and raising young in open marshy habitats where they typically nest.
Juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds, regardless of sex, generally resemble the females with their streaky brown plumage. Young males will gradually acquire their black feathers and red wing patches as they mature.