Agelaius May 2026

: A single male often defends a territory containing a "harem" of up to 15 nesting females .

: They typically breed in marshlands, wetlands, or grassy areas near water, with females building deep cup-shaped nests lashed to reeds like cattails. Species Profiles yellow-souldered blackbird revised recovery plan - FWS ECOS

: Young typically leave the nest 10–14 days after hatching. They are fed by parents for another 2–3 weeks before becoming independent.

: Unlike many other birds, male Red-winged Blackbirds do not acquire their full adult plumage (glossy black with intense red/yellow patches) until their second year . In their first year, they often have an orange or streaked appearance. Breeding and Social Behavior

: Males are aggressively defensive, famously attacking much larger animals, including hawks, horses, and humans, if they approach the nesting site.

The genus includes several species of New World blackbirds, most notably the widespread Red-winged Blackbird ( Agelaius phoeniceus ). These birds are known for their rapid development and highly territorial breeding habits. Developmental Stages