First Red-winged Blackbirds

Though I believe I had spotted Red-winged Blackbirds a little earlier in the year, this was my 1st photographic evidence of their return from their winter homes. Though food brought them together, after their meal they might be fierce rivals, each trying to establish a territory that their future wives - male Red-winged Blackbirds usually have multiple wives [1] - will be drawn to [2]. 

Red-winged Blackbirds don't limit their aggression to avian rivals either; it's not uncommon for them to attack people as well [3].

These are fun birds to identify for people because their common name is almost exactly the way you'd describe them: a black bird with red on the wings. Not even any fancy language, like if they were called Crimson-shouldered Ebonybirds. 

March 1, 2023 at Duke Farms
Photo 267700847, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

[1] Female Red-winged Blackbirds frequently breed with more than 1 male too. You could probably map out a plot of a soap opera based on their relationships.

[2] I believe Red-winged Blackbirds are 1 of the species where the males arrive to their breeding grounds earlier, presumably so they'll have worked out some of those territorial disputes before the arrival of the females.

[3] These attacks may scare or at least startle people, but AFAIK they're pretty harmless. Since they're usually trying to defend a nest, it's probably best to leave the area if you're attacked.

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