Bird Guide

Red-shouldered Blackbird

Agelaius assimilis

Least ConcernEndemicSeedsWetlandCup nestSmall · 48 g

About the Red-shouldered Blackbird

The red-shouldered blackbird, known in Cuban Spanish as mayito de la ciénaga or sargento cubano and turpial de hombros rojos, is a species of passerine bird in the family Icteridae endemic to Cuba. It is similar to other species in the genus Agelaius, but recent research has established it as a separate species from the closely related red-winged blackbird.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The red-shouldered blackbird closely resembles the more numerous and widespread red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), but in contrast to phoeniceus, assimilis males and females are closer in relative size, the female is all-black instead of brown-streaked, and paired birds are monogamous. Males are about 22 centimetres (8.7 in) in length and weigh about 46 to 54 grams, while females are about 20 centimetres (7.9 in) in length and 36 to 43 grams. Like male phoeniceus, male red-shouldered blackbirds have prominent red epaulets on their wings, fringed with yellow.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Red-shouldered Blackbird lives

Regular range

When to see the Red-shouldered Blackbird

Peak activity in March · a variable species across most of its range

Easily confused with

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