498. Agelaius phoeniceus 
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 9 1-2 inches 
Male. Above and below black; scarlet patch edged with buff on 
the wing. Female. Above mottled brown and buff; shoulder 
patch indistinct. Below heavily striped. Looks likean overgrown 
sparrow. 
Large flocks often seen in spring wa/king on the newly ploughed 
land. Common in Massachusetts. Arrives in March. 
Song. O-éa-lee. Call notes, a chuck and long whistle. 
Nest. Among reeds or in a tussock or a bush, near water. 
Breeds. Throughout New England. 
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