The adult male has red shoulder patches on an otherwise black body; females are blackish-brown and paler below. Young red-winged blackbirds more closely resemble the females. When migrating north, they travel in single-sex flocks, with the males arriving a few days ahead. Upon arrival, the males stake out and aggresively defend their territories by singing. The call of the red-winged blackbird is a scratchy “oak-a-lee.” At the end of breeding season, they gather in huge flocks, sometimes numbering in the millions. The red-winged blackbird’s numbers however are on the decline, due to habitat loss and the use of poison on crops.

What they eat: Mostly plant seeds, but also insects, spiders, mollusks and other small animals. They also eat various berries and fruit when in season.

Where they live: Most of North and Central America.

Claim to fame: The adult male’s distinctive red shoulder patches, which are visible during flight.

Source: Wikipedia