Male Red-winged Blackbirds are Back!

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Male Red-Winged Blackbirds are back and establishing territories.

Males arrive in late winter/early spring, before the females, to set up, and defend, their territories.
- They like wetland areas but can be found in drier habitats with grass-like plants, including around the nature center.
Females are brown, so not as conspicuous, and arrive about 2-4 weeks after the males.
- During nesting season, they weave intricate cup-shaped nests out of plant material.
- The nests are usually close to water or the ground but hidden in dense vegetation.
Males make it a point to be seen and heard!
- They find the highest point around to perch, then raise their red and yellow shoulder patches and belt out their signature 'conk-cha-ree" song.
- A male Red-winged blackbird is on constant duty, guarding 5 to 15 females, and their nests, according to the BioKIDS website.
- They may fly towards people, flutter above our heads and even dive bomb anyone that gets too close. Females may also fly out to defend their nest.
- So if you find yourself in this situation, just walk away from the area. (You can also wave your hands above your head to discourage them).
As a migratory species, Red-winged Blackbirds, and their nests, are protected by law, so please give these native birds enough space to go about their daily business!