Red-winged Blackbirds in British Columbia
When red-winged blackbirds are present in British Columbia, when they nest, which native British Columbia plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–9a yard.
- Status in British Columbia
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–July
- Broods
- 2–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 1a–9a
When to expect red-winged blackbirds in British Columbia
Red-winged Blackbirds are summer residents in British Columbia, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on dragonflies, beetles and caterpillars.
Temperate rainforest on the coast, dry interior valleys and mountains, and boreal forest in the northeast.
Nesting in British Columbia
Across British Columbia, 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.
Dry, warm coastal summers; hot in the Okanagan.
- Red-winged Blackbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, chokecherry, ponderosa pine for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native British Columbia plants that attract red-winged blackbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for British Columbia, 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.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Seeds and bark insects; pygmy nuthatch and woodpecker habitat.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Feeding red-winged blackbirds through the British Columbia 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 British Columbia'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 British Columbia year-round?
No. Red-winged Blackbirds are summer breeders in British Columbia and leave for the winter.
When do red-winged blackbirds nest in British Columbia?
Nesting in British Columbia 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 British Columbia?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Paper birch, Chokecherry, Ponderosa pine, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush are native plants in British Columbia that provide food or cover for red-winged blackbirds.
Red-winged Blackbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in British Columbia
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 — British Columbia
- 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.