These common residents of wet areas are usually the first avian sign of spring, returning to Connecticut in early February. We think of them as the very first migrants to return. This warm winter, however, here seem to be many red winged blackbirds who have not migrated at all!
The males are flashy, shiny black with fire engine red and yellow wing patches. They fill the marshes with their raucous “co-couree” calls. Females are inconspicuous brown, a great color for blending in to the weed stalks where they nest.
For more information, and to hear their calls visit: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird/id