Red-winged Blackbirds in Alberta
When red-winged blackbirds are present in Alberta, when they nest, which native Alberta plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 2a–4b yard.
- Status in Alberta
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–July
- Broods
- 2–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 2a–4b
When to expect red-winged blackbirds in Alberta
Red-winged Blackbirds are summer residents in Alberta, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on dragonflies, beetles and caterpillars.
Continental — prairie in the southeast, aspen parkland in the center, boreal forest in the north and the Rockies in the west.
Nesting in Alberta
Across Alberta, red-winged blackbirds typically nest from May–July. Nest site: woven cup lashed to cattails or shrubs over water. Females lay 2–4 eggs, incubate for 11–13 days, and young leave the nest after 11–14 days.
Warm, sunny summers with long days.
- Red-winged Blackbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, chokecherry, rabbitbrush for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Alberta plants that attract red-winged blackbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Alberta, these 8 provide food or cover red-winged blackbirds use:
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Feeding red-winged blackbirds through the Alberta year
One of the earliest spring returns in the north; males arrive weeks before females to claim marsh territories.
- Best foods: Cracked corn, Millet, Sunflower.
- In Alberta's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for red-winged blackbirds · Best feeder for red-winged blackbirds
Frequently asked
Are red-winged blackbirds in Alberta year-round?
No. Red-winged Blackbirds are summer breeders in Alberta and leave for the winter.
When do red-winged blackbirds nest in Alberta?
Nesting in Alberta typically runs May–July, with 2–3 per season. Clutches are 2–4 eggs, incubated for 11–13 days.
What native plants attract red-winged blackbirds in Alberta?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Paper birch, Chokecherry, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush are native plants in Alberta that provide food or cover for red-winged blackbirds.
Red-winged Blackbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Alberta
Sources
- Red-winged Blackbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Red-winged Blackbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Red-winged Blackbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Alberta
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.