Red-winged Blackbird

Size: 7-9 1/2 inches

The name for this bird comes from the bright red patches displayed by the male in nesting season. The male sings his raspy "konk-a-ree!" to attract a mate and keep other males away. This bird lives near marshes, ponds, meadows, and fields.

Food: Mostly insects, some seeds

Nest: near or over water, attached to reeds. Made of grasses, sedges, rushes.

In Marin: year round

Young can swim before they can fly. They eat

only insects. Females do not have red on wings. They are brown.