the red-winged blackbird is native to most of north america and parts of central america. they are mainly found in marshes and the edges of wetlands. the majority of their diet is seeds, but a large portion is also insects, particularly insects associated with water such as dragonflies, and in warmer months berries are also eaten.
(x)
a photographer caught this shot of what appears to be a red-winged blackbird riding on a red-tailed hawk. experts believe the bird was actually driving the hawk away from its territory.
(x)
a fledgling red-winged blackbird. these birds hatch naked and helpless, but are ready to leave the nest at 11-14 days of age.
source: (x)
this is a red-winged blackbird with leucism. typically, the bird has no white on the body, and is entirely black except for the small patch of color on the shoulder. leucism is a genetic mutation that results in a lack of pigmentation.
source: (x)
this red-winged blackbird was spotted in green bay, wisconsin. the bird’s pied appearance comes from leucism, a lack of pigmentation. leucism can affect only some parts of the body, like in this bird, or the entirety of the bird’s plumage.
source: (x)
today's bird 