Michigan

in the Great Lakes

Red-winged Blackbird

Did you know that Red-winged Blackbirds are some of the first birds to return to Michigan in the spring? They migrate south for the winter. The males usually return before the females and stake out territories. Red-winged Blackbirds are often found in marsh wetlands in Michigan, sometimes near cattails. They are known to be aggressive.

The scientific name for the Red-winged Blackbird is Agelaius phoeniceus.

Click here to see more about Red-winged Blackbirds and hear what they sound like.

Appearance

The male Red-winged Blackbird is black with a red and yellow area on each of its wings. The female Red-winged Blackbird is mostly a streaky brown.