Red-winged Blackbirds at Your Feeder: What to Know
Male red-winged blackbirds, glossy black with red-and-yellow shoulder patches, are one of the first signs of spring in the North. They're native birds that nest near marshes and wet fields, and they often visit feeders in flocks.
What red-winged blackbirds eat
In summer they eat mostly insects. The rest of the year they eat seeds and grain. At feeders, they love cracked corn, sunflower, and mixed seed.
If you only buy one seed, make it black-oil sunflower. It's high in fat, has a thin shell small birds can open, and nearly every seed-eating bird loves it.
Check price on Amazon for Wagner's Black Oil Sunflower Seed (opens Amazon)Where they feed
Red-winged blackbirds prefer platform feeders and the ground under feeders. They'll use large hoppers too.
An open tray feeder that welcomes the widest range of birds, including cardinals, doves, jays, and juncos that prefer to feed in the open.
Check price on Amazon for Woodlink 3-in-1 Platform Feeder (opens Amazon)When a flock takes over
In spring and fall, big flocks can empty a feeder fast. If that happens, offer safflower, which blackbirds usually ignore, and use tube feeders with short perches that suit smaller birds.
A weight-activated feeder like the Squirrel Buster Plus can be adjusted to close under heavier birds, which helps when blackbirds or grackles crowd in.
Cardinals love safflower. Squirrels, grackles, and starlings usually don't, which makes it a smart seed for feeders that get raided.
Check price on Amazon for Wagner's Safflower Seed (opens Amazon)The squirrel-proof feeder most experienced backyard birders end up buying. When a squirrel climbs on, its weight pulls a shroud down over the seed ports. Small birds keep eating.
Check price on Amazon for Brome Squirrel Buster Plus (opens Amazon)Frequently asked questions
Are red-winged blackbirds native?
Yes. They're one of the most common native birds in North America and are protected under federal law.
When do red-winged blackbirds come back in spring?
Males return to northern marshes as early as late February or March, a few weeks before females.
Why do red-winged blackbirds dive at people?
Males fiercely defend their nests in spring. Give nesting areas near marshes a little extra space.
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