Red-winged Blackbirds in New Hampshire
When red-winged blackbirds are present in New Hampshire, when they nest, which native New Hampshire plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–6a yard.
- Status in New Hampshire
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–July
- Broods
- 2–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–6a
When to expect red-winged blackbirds in New Hampshire
Red-winged Blackbirds are summer residents in New Hampshire, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on dragonflies, beetles and caterpillars.
Humid continental, with the White Mountains dividing the southern lowlands from northern forest.
Nesting in New Hampshire
Across New Hampshire, 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.
Mild summers; nesting starts late May.
- Red-winged Blackbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as serviceberry, white oak, black cherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native New Hampshire plants that attract red-winged blackbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for New Hampshire, these 8 provide food or cover red-winged blackbirds use:
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Acorns plus hundreds of caterpillar species for nestling food.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue-black fall fruit and dense nesting cover.
Lipid-rich red fruit fuels fall migrants.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Feeding red-winged blackbirds through the New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire'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 New Hampshire year-round?
No. Red-winged Blackbirds are summer breeders in New Hampshire and leave for the winter.
When do red-winged blackbirds nest in New Hampshire?
Nesting in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
Serviceberry, White oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum, Spicebush, Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan are native plants in New Hampshire that provide food or cover for red-winged blackbirds.
Red-winged Blackbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Hampshire
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 — New Hampshire
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- 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.