Agelaius May 2026

: Young typically leave the nest 10–14 days after hatching. They are fed by parents for another 2–3 weeks before becoming independent.

: A single male often defends a territory containing a "harem" of up to 15 nesting females . agelaius

: Unlike many other birds, male Red-winged Blackbirds do not acquire their full adult plumage (glossy black with intense red/yellow patches) until their second year . In their first year, they often have an orange or streaked appearance. Breeding and Social Behavior : Young typically leave the nest 10–14 days after hatching

: They undergo a "thermoregulatory metamorphosis" over approximately 12 days , transitioning from an ectothermic-like state to being able to maintain their own body heat. agelaius