See all posts in the Birds of Carver County series
Local naturalist Jim Gilbert described the call of the male red-winged blackbird as “o-ka-leeee” or “tonk-a-leee.” Whichever way it is written, there is no mistaking spring’s early birds as they loudly call while sitting atop the brown cattails next to the lakes, ponds and catch-pools throughout Carver County. The red-winged species (Agelaius phoeniceus) is one of several members of the blackbird family that are found here. Others include the yellow-headed blackbird, rusty blackbird and brewer’s blackbird. Close cousins include bobolinks, orioles, grackles, brown-headed cowbirds and meadowlarks. Its scientific Latin name translates to “gregarious (Agelaius) red (phoeniceus)” bird.
The males come to their breeding location hoping to claim a prime spot for feeding and nesting, avoiding predators, attracting a female and ultimately raising more blackbirds. Thought to be the most numerous of North American land birds, the males spread out into suitable habitat starting in March—sometimes before the ice has completely melted.
They can be heard overhead during their migration as they provide a single note “kek” or “chek.” Displaying his bright red shoulder-boards, preening his shiny black coat and calling out his song, he awaits the arrival of an interested female that looks more like a sparrow. She is brown and black with a tan eyebrow stripe – perfect for disappearing within the dark vertical shadows of the dense cattails and marsh shrubs. Successful males will have many mates within their established territory. Half of the females will return to the previous year’s location. If a male is unable to attract a mate, it will flock with other bachelor birds until the next year.
While the female keeps quiet, the male uses his red feathers and aggressive flight skills to chase away predators like hawks. They can be seen swooping down onto the larger bird’s back, using its long, pointed beak to poke at the raptor’s back, relentless in pursuit until a suitable distance from his territory. Blackbirds and grackles are often seen together feeding in fields, foraging for insects, seeds and leftover grains.
They stay busy all summer, sometimes raising two broods in a hidden cup of twigs, grass and leaves built by the female. A nest that was studied contained 34 strips of willow bark, 700 pieces of grass and 142 cattail leaves. The nest is usually four to seven inches across and three to seven inches deep. The female will incubate about four blue-green eggs for about 12 days. After hatching, and both parents feeding them, the young need only 10 to 14 days before they can fly. Another two to five weeks go by before fledglings can feed themselves.
Females start to migrate south in September. Males will spend longer here and are mostly gone by mid-November. Wintering flocks in southern states can be immense, totaling hundreds of thousands of individuals. The people who live there must envy our quieter winters.
As wetlands are reduced, Carver County may see a reduction in this vibrant but adaptable species. Hopefully we won’t see that happen soon and meanwhile we can enjoy the music from our red-winged friends among the cattails.
REFERENCES:
- Minnesota Nature Notes, Jim Gilbert
- The Sibley Guide to Birds, David Allen Sibley
- Reader’s Digest Book of North American Birds
- Breeding Birds of Minnesota, Pfannmuller, Niemi and Green
- The Audubon Society’s Encyclopedia of North American Birds, John K. Terres
- Online: Red-winged Blackbird Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Online: Minnesota Seasons – Exploring Nature in Minnesota LINK
- Online: Minnesota Breed Bird Atlas
- Online: Birds of the World
