Spring Birdsong: Red-winged Blackbird

The song of the Red-winged Blackbird rings through swamps and meadows in early- to mid-April in Vermont. Males arrive back before females, and their distinctive conk-la-reeee is a warning to other males that “this territory is taken!” Singing their song is a full-body motion, with their bright red wing patch being flashed with each and every rendition.

Learn more about birds and their song with NBNC’s Birding By Ear Mini-Course.