red-winged blackbird: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1+ (due to technical/ornithological specificity)Specialized (ornithology, nature writing, birdwatching), occasionally general in North American regional contexts.
Quick answer
What does “red-winged blackbird” mean?
A common North American songbird with black plumage and distinctive red and yellow shoulder patches (epaulets) on males.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common North American songbird with black plumage and distinctive red and yellow shoulder patches (epaulets) on males.
A bird species (Agelaius phoeniceus) known for its loud, musical calls and tendency to inhabit wetlands, often serving as a classic indicator species for North American marshes and an archetype of common passerine birds in field guides and ornithological studies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The species is native to North America, thus the term is far more common in American than British English. A British speaker might use it only in an ornithological or travel context.
Connotations
In North America, it strongly connotes marshes, wetlands, early spring, and a familiar, widespread bird. In the UK, it may be seen as an exotic American species.
Frequency
Very high frequency in North American nature contexts; low to negligible in everyday UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “red-winged blackbird” in a Sentence
The {ADJ} red-winged blackbird {VERBed} in the {NOUN}.We saw a red-winged blackbird {VERBing}.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in ecology, zoology, and ornithology papers: "The territorial display of the red-winged blackbird was studied."
Everyday
In North America: "I heard a red-winged blackbird calling from the cattails."
Technical
Used in detailed bird guides and species surveys: "Agelaius phoeniceus, the red-winged blackbird, exhibits strong sexual dimorphism."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “red-winged blackbird”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “red-winged blackbird”
- Using 'red-winged blackbird' as a general adjective (e.g., 'a red-winged blackbird plumage' - incorrect). Pluralizing 'red-winged' (e.g., 'red-wings blackbirds' - incorrect). Confusing it with the European 'redwing' (Turdus iliacus).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a native North and Central American species. It is not found in the wild in the UK.
No. Females are streaky brown and lack the bright red and yellow shoulder patches, resembling a large, dark sparrow.
In some regional American dialects it might be, but this is potentially confusing as 'redwing' is the standard name for a completely different European thrush (Turdus iliacus).
It is a hyphenated compound adjective ('red-winged') modifying a noun ('blackbird'). The full name is not a single unhyphenated word.
A common North American songbird with black plumage and distinctive red and yellow shoulder patches (epaulets) on males.
Red-winged blackbird is usually specialized (ornithology, nature writing, birdwatching), occasionally general in north american regional contexts. in register.
Red-winged blackbird: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛd wɪŋd ˈblakbɜːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛd wɪŋd ˈblækˌbɝːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Red shoulders on a black bird that flies on wings.' BLACK (bird) with RED (on its) WINGS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary habitat associated with the red-winged blackbird?