Red-winged Blackbird

The Red-winged Blackbird is one of the most abundant and familiar birds of North American wetlands. Males are glossy black with striking red and yellow shoulder patches (epaulets), while females are streaked brown and look remarkably like large sparrows. This contour feather exhibits the typical dark melanin pigmentation found in male body plumage.

Dark grey to blackish coloration transitioning to a lighter grey and white downy base with a distinct white or light-colored central rachis

Pennaceous at the upper distal end and plumulaceous (fluffy) at the proximal base with no prominent aftershaft

Central rachis is slender, white to light grey, slightly curved, and flexible with dense, fine barbs along the shaft

Smooth and firm at the pennaceous tip, soft and downy at the base, matte finish

Body feather, likely from the upper breast, flank, or scapular region

Dark grey-black upper vane transitioning to a contrasting white fluffy downy base with a pale, whitish rachis

Freshwater and saltwater marshes, brushy wetlands, agricultural fields, and wet meadows

Widespread across North America, ranging from Alaska down through Central America, living as year-round residents in many areas and migrating from northern territories

Acts as an important consumer of weed seeds and insects, serving as a primary prey species for raptors and herons in wetland ecosystems

Other blackbirds and grackles such as the Brewer's Blackbird or Common Grackle, which typically lack the distinctive pale rachis base contrast found in some red-winged blackbird body feathers

Male Red-winged Blackbirds are heavily polygynous, with some males defending harems of up to fifteen females on their territories. They are extremely vocal and fiercely territorial during the breeding season.

Historically utilized in Native American traditions and folklore. As a passerine, its feathers are generally studied for ornithological purposes.

Look near marsh edges, cattail stands, and agricultural fields during spring and summer when molting occurs

Good condition with minor wear and fraying at the tip, showing natural weathering