Red-Winged Blackbird Behavior: Causes of Territorial Aggression

Red-winged Blackbirds are commonly found in wetlands, marshes, ponds, and other areas with dense stands of cattails and similar vegetation. While marshy areas and wetlands are favored, Red-wing Blackbirds are adaptable, often frequenting populated neighborhoods and parks, resting in trees and on phone and electrical lines.

During the spring and summer breeding season, Red-winged Blackbirds can become fairly aggressive. They may swoop at people or other animals that venture too close to their nests, sometimes making contact as a warning to keep their distance.

Why Red-Winged Blackbirds Become Aggressive

During the height of the Red-wing Blackbird mating season, from mid-April to early July, these birds (the males especially) become aggressive for various reasons.

• Males defend the females as they build their nests and the chicks until they're strong enough to fledge.
  
• They chase off other birds attempting to take over their territory and steal their mates.
  
• They attack any perceived or real competition to protect limited resources and ensure reproductive success.
  

What Does Their Aggression Look Like?

The Red-winged Blackbird’s protective aggression typically occurs in stages.

• Males fluffs their feathers while hunching forward, dropping their tails, and arching their wings to display the bright red and yellow epaulets.
  
• As they’re in full visual display, they will also sing their well-known "conk-la-ree" song.
  
• If the audio/visuals have been ignored, the birds resort to physical contact, usually by dive-bombing the intruder.
  

How Critter Guard's BirdBloc Helps Prevent Interaction with Aggressive Red-Winged Blackbirds

While avoiding marshy areas and wearing hats can help you avoid an interaction with an aggressive Red-winged Blackbird, there are better ways. At Critter Guard, our BirdBloc product is designed to help deter all kinds of birds, including aggressive Red-winged Blackbirds, from nesting around your property. Its repellent odor successfully discourages them from congregating in the area.

For more information about our BirdBloc product and how it can help deter Red-winged Blackbirds from settling near your property, contact us today!