On a visit to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I watched a male Red-winged Blackbird in the middle of a territorial display.
The display is a show of color and posture. The male puffs out his bright red wing patches. He lowers and spreads his tail. He hunches his shoulders forward. It is a dramatic pose, and you can spot these birds yourself at the refuge.
Finding the Red-winged Blackbirds
Look on the west side of the auto tour road, before you reach the Tuff boat ramp. You might also see them near the water after the first turn. If you see one perched near the road, pull over safely and take a moment to watch. I photographed a quieter moment with one of these males in A Perched Male Red-winged Blackbird.
The Science Behind the Show
This territorial display is more than just a pretty sight; it’s a crucial part of the Red-winged Blackbird’s breeding season. Here are some interesting facts about this behavior:
- Highly Territorial: Male Red-winged Blackbirds are incredibly territorial during breeding season, dedicating over a quarter of their daylight hours to defending their turf.
- Fearless Defenders: They fiercely chase away any intruders, including other males, and will even attack potential nest predators, sometimes taking on much larger animals like horses or even humans!
- Signaling with Song and Showmanship: The territorial display, with its puffed epaulets, spread wings, and loud songs, serves a dual purpose: to warn off competitors and to impress potential mates.
Witnessing the Red-winged Blackbird’s territorial display is a window into the fascinating world of bird social dynamics. So, the next time you’re at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, keep an eye out for these colorful characters and their impressive displays!