Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
Marsh soundtrack of Assateague summers. Males flash red shoulder patches from reeds and rushes.
Quick facts
| Group | Songbird |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★★★ |
| Habitats | Salt marsh, Assateague National Seashore, Assateague State Park |
| Seasons (this coast) | spring, summer, breeding |
How to recognize them
- Males glossy black with red-and-yellow shoulder (epaulet) patches.
- Females streaky brown—often mistaken for sparrows at first glance.
Biology notes
- Defends marsh territories; nests in cattails, rushes, and shrubs over or near water.
- NPS notes males calling ceaselessly among taller reeds in summer.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Assateague salt marshes (National Seashore and State Park).
- Any robust wetland fringe along coastal bay edges near Ocean City.
When to look
- Breeding season spring–summer; some winter in the region in mixed blackbird flocks.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Listen for the conk-la-ree song before you see the bird.
