In Alabama during: Fall | Spring | Summer | Winter
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Agelaius phoeniceus
OTHER NAMES: Red Wing
STATUS: Breeder. Common in all seasons and regions. Low Conservation Concern.
DESCRIPTION: The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) belongs to the family of birds (Icteridae) that include meadowlarks, orioles, and grackles. Adult birds vary in size from 7 – 9.5 inches. Adult males are black with a red and yellow shoulder patch at the bend of the wings. Females look much like a large sparrow with a heavy, sharp pointed bill and heavy striping below and a light stripe over the eye. Immature birds resemble a dark female with a reddish shoulder patch. Adult males are one of the most beautiful and unmistakable species observed by birders.
