red-winged blackbird

noun

ˈred-ˌwiŋd- 

: a North American blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) of which the adult male is black with a patch of bright scarlet at the bend of the wings bordered behind with yellow or buff

called also redwing blackbird

Examples of red-winged blackbird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is a great spot to sit, have a snack and observe the waterfowl and other birds, like red-winged blackbirds, song sparrows and lesser goldfinches (which are only lesser in their names). —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025

Despite the nippy wind by the lake, Montrose Beach had a busy Sunday: families gathered on picnic blankets to celebrate Mother’s Day, and seagulls, killdeer and red-winged blackbirds scoured for food among the waves that washed ashore. —Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025

Also the red-winged blackbird and the common grackle. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025

Some common species span from the dark-eyed junco to the red-winged blackbird to the great blue heron, while fortunate visitors might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle soaring high above the river in search of fish. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1769, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

red-winged blackbird

noun

ˌred-ˌwiŋd-

: an American blackbird of which the adult male is black with a patch of bright red on the wing

called also redwing blackbird