Red-winged Blackbird’s Display and Call

I was driving the auto tour road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma when I saw a male Red-winged Blackbird’s display from a small shrub near Tuff Pond. He was on the passenger side of my truck, so I eased the window down and photographed him without disturbing his behavior. The timing worked out because he was calling hard and spreading his bright red epaulets.

This male was in full display mode the moment I stopped. His calls came quick and loud. Each time he leaned forward, the red and yellow patches on his shoulders flashed in the light. The shrub he used gave him a clear view of the water and nearby territory.

Red-winged Blackbirds are easy to spot across North America, but watching a male in display never gets old. Their epaulets play a big role in how they claim space during the breeding season. When a male lifts those patches, he is sending a simple message. This area is taken.

Here is a helpful overview of their behavior from Cornell’s All About Birds: Red-winged Blackbirds.
You can also see a related image I posted earlier: Red-winged Blackbird Territorial Display.

Wildlife Notes: Understanding the Red-winged Blackbird’s Display

Male Red-winged Blackbirds defend small territories around wetlands, ponds, and marsh edges. They perch in open spots so other males can see their epaulets. Their display includes leaning forward, spreading the red patches, and giving a sharp, ringing call. This is how they mark boundaries and attract females during spring and early summer.

These birds feed on insects, seeds, and small fruits. They nest close to water in thick vegetation. Outside the breeding season they form large flocks, often mixing with grackles or cowbirds.

Photography Notes: Photographing a Red-winged Blackbird Display

I stayed inside my truck to keep a low profile. This gave the bird room to display without reacting to my presence. The shrub helped frame his body and kept the background clean. The early light also helped pull out the rich red of his epaulets.

Shooting at 500mm let me stay far enough back so he stayed focused on his call. The fast shutter speed kept the wings sharp when he shifted and flared his patches.

Image Information

• Camera: Canon EOS R7
• Lens: Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
• Aperture: f/8
• Shutter Speed: 1/1250 sec
• ISO: 640
• Focal Length: 500mm
• Exposure Compensation: +1/3