Red-winged Blackbird

Start with these clues

Look for red shoulder patches on many males; females are heavily streaked.

Relative size

Medium

Look around

Pond, Lawn, Shrubs

Region and season

Widespread near suitable wetlands; seasonal presence varies.

Compare carefully

Common Grackle has a longer tail and typically lacks shoulder patches.

A photograph shows one individual and one view. Check several features, the date and a regional guide before settling on an identification.

Read the Audubon species account for fuller range, behavior and identification context.