Bonanza Bird #14: The Red-winged Blackbird

Birdorable Red-winged Blackbird

For 18 days we're adding a new Birdorable bird every day as part of our Birdorable Bonanza 2010. Today's bird is the Red-winged Blackbird. Red-winged Blackbirds are closely related to orioles and grackles. Here in northern Illinois, where we live, Red-winged Blackbirds are an early sign of spring. They return to nest in our county each after spending the winter further south. Hearing the first Red-winged Blackbirds calling on territory with their distinctive "konkaREE!" cry always means warmer weather is on the way soon.

Red-winged Blackbird
Red-winged Blackbird by Gary Grossman
 
What a Display!
What a Display! by vtpeacenik

Tomorrow's bird is an aerial forager who nests in cavities. Can you guess what it is?

Red-winged Blackbird Gifts

Comments

dominic morrell on July 20, 2010 at 9:22 AM wrote:
I GIIIVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
dominic morrell on July 20, 2010 at 9:23 AM wrote:
[] |
Ashira on July 20, 2010 at 10:37 AM wrote:
Absolutely GORGEOUS! I love the flying one. C: Could it be some sort of flycatcher? A phoebe, perhaps? : D
dominic morrell on July 20, 2010 at 3:37 PM wrote:
did you mean forAger? if so, i say tree swallow.
Birdorable on July 20, 2010 at 3:41 PM wrote:
LOL Dominic, thanks for pointing out that unintended spelling error! There's no literature on this species' exploits in forgery. ;)
Ashira on July 21, 2010 at 9:12 AM wrote:
I saw that too. Hee hee. : D
A. on August 27, 2010 at 7:28 PM wrote:
Burrowing owl
lovey dovey on April 30, 2012 at 10:48 AM wrote:
I am totally obsessed with red-winged blackbirds! They are so beautiful!
Spurwing Plover on May 30, 2022 at 6:25 PM wrote:
I have seen lots of Red Wing Blackbirds they prefer the Farmland Areas and the use Willows for nesting
Spurwing Plover on June 11, 2022 at 6:06 AM wrote:
Onkaree Onkaree

Leave a comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

Meet the Long-tailed Duck: Vocal, Elegant, and Made for the Arctic

The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck with a distinctive appearance that changes dramatically between seasons. During the breeding season, males sport a mostly dark plumage with a striking white face and a long, slender tail that can measure up to 10 inches, accounting for about...

Baby Birdorable: Canada Goose

If you think our Birdorable birds are cute as adults, what about when they are babies? Below are some baby photos (shared via Flickr Creative Commons) of the Canada Goose. Canada Geese sometimes get a bad rap as nuisance birds and they have a reputation for being aggressive....

2013 Bonanza Bird #14: Superb Starling

We're adding new birds each day until we reach our 500th Birdorable species! Today's Bonanza bird is the Superb Starling. Superb Starlings have striking plumage. You might even call the combination of metallic blue and green with contrasting burnt orange superb!

2015 Bonanza Bird #8: Bee Hummingbird

Today our Birdorable Bonanza: 2015 Advent Edition continues with the smallest species of bird in the world: the Bee Hummingbird! An adult Bee Hummingbird weighs in at 2 grams or less, which is lighter than an American penny coin. In fact, a...