The MNBBA reported a total of 9,496 Red-winged Blackbird records in 77.9% (3,843/4,934) of the atlas blocks that were surveyed and in 90.1% (2,106/2,338) of the 2,339 priority blocks. Now consistently observed in southern Minnesota during the winter, the number of birds overwintering in the northern counties varies considerably from year to year ( Minnesota Ornithologists Union 2016).
But, over the years, winter observations gradually extended further north into northwestern, north central, and northeastern Minnesota. Even in the early 1900s, large flocks of red-wings often remained in southern Minnesota during the winter season ( Roberts 1932). Perhaps the most significant change in the species distribution has been the increasing number of birds observed during the winter months. Green and Janssen ( 1975) simply noted that it was a resident statewide while Janssen ( 1987) described it as “one of the most common and evenly distributed breeding species in the state.” By 1998 it had been confirmed breeding in 53 of Minnesota’s 87 counties since the year 1970 ( Hertzel and Janssen 1998). Roberts himself noted that the birds that come to roost at some of the state’s largest wetlands “are beyond computation,” comprised of “millions and millions” of birds.ĭespite the extensive loss of wetlands throughout much of Minnesota, the extent of the species’ breeding distribution has remained essentially unchanged over the past 100 years. One observer wrote that, from a distance, they looked “like a dense cloud of black smoke,” flying so close to one another that a single shot could take down 60–70 birds ( Roberts 1932). Late summer flocks were enormous in size. Indeed, their abundance often wreaked havoc with farmers as the birds took a liking to young grain sprouts, ripened grain crops yet to be harvested, and ears of corn when the kernels are still soft and milky ( Bent 1958). There is, perhaps, no more abundant and widely distributed native bird in North America than the Red-winged Blackbird, and Minnesota, with its thousands of lakes, marshes and sloughs, possesses an all too generous share. When Roberts published his more detailed account of the species in 1932, he reflected on the species abundance: Interact with nature, relax and build memories that last a lifetime by conveniently ordering from Red-winged Blackbird was recognized as an abundant and widely distributed breeding species as early as 1892, when Hatch wrote the first comprehensive account of Minnesota birds ( Hatch 1892).
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is the top destination to find quality Wild Bird Feeders and Accessories. The fledglings are ready to go out into the world in another 2 or 3 weeks to join a large Red-Winged Blackbird flock. The female Red-Winged Blackbird lays between 3-4 bluish green speckled eggs and incubates them for 3-11 days until they hatch.Īfter hatching, the baby Red-Winged Blackbird chicks stay in the nest for about 10-14 days, being fed by the father and mother. The cup-shaped nest of the Red-Winged Blackbird is often constructed of wet leaves and marsh materials and filled with mud. Neighboring Red-Winged Blackbird males often mate with some of the females living in that male Red-Winged Blackbird’s territory. Although the Red-Winged Blackbird females each have nests, the eggs in the nest do not necessarily belong to that one male Red-Winged Blackbird. Male Red-Winged Blackbirds often have up to 15 females in its territory, although most have up to 5. The Red-Winged Blackbird will nest in large colonies, often numbering in the thousands. Nesting Habits of the Red-Winged Blackbird
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