Bonanza Bird #14: The Red-winged Blackbird

July 20, 2010 in Blackbirds and Birdorable Bonanza 2010 with 10 comments

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 by Gary Grossman

What a Display! by vtpeacenik

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

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

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