Red-winged Blackbird

Can you see this species close to home? If you live anywhere in the United States, the answer is yes. The same applies to most of Mexico, and all but the most northern parts of Canada. The red-winged blackbird is one of the most abundant species in North America. With an estimated 250 million breeding pairs, their numbers are comparable to another abundant species on this continent: Homo sapiens! They occasionally form flocks in the millions. Males, with their shiny black plumage and namesake scarlet-red wing bars, go out of their way to make themselves visible, calling and displaying constantly from cattails, power lines, and high perches everywhere. Females, like this one, are much more discreet, staying closer to the ground where they nest. Their abundance is largely a result of their adaptability. While they prefer wetlands, they can manage perfectly well in agricultural and suburban environments, too. We have more in common with these birds than just our numbers.