Red-winged Blackbird look-alikes
Agelaius phoeniceus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Red-winged Blackbird. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Tricolored Blackbird
Agelaius tricolor
Key differences
Males have a narrower white border below the red epaulet, rather than yellow. Females are darker and less streaky than Red-winged Blackbirds, with a less prominent eyebrow. Tricolored Blackbirds have a more restricted range, primarily in California.
Brewer's Blackbird
Euphagus cyanocephalus
Key differences
Males are glossy black but lack the red and yellow epaulets; they have iridescent purple on the head and greenish iridescence on the body, and pale yellow eyes. Females are duller gray-brown, lacking streaking, and also have pale yellow eyes. Red-winged Blackbirds have dark eyes.
Rusty Blackbird
Euphagus carolinus
Key differences
Males are glossy black with a greenish sheen and pale yellow eyes. In non-breeding plumage, they have rusty feather edgings. Females are slate gray with pale yellow eyes. Red-winged Blackbirds have dark eyes and the male's distinct epaulets.
Boat-tailed Grackle
Quiscalus major
Key differences
Larger with a longer, keeled tail. Males are iridescent black with a purplish sheen. Females are dark brown. Both sexes have pale yellow eyes. Red-winged Blackbirds are smaller, males have epaulets, and both sexes have dark eyes.
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