Red-shouldered blackbird

Agelaius assimilis

The red-shouldered blackbird (Agelaius assimilis), known in Cuban Spanish as mayito de la ciénaga (swamp mayito) or sargento cubano (Cuban sergeant) and turpial de hombros rojos (red-shouldered troupi

Family: Icteridae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern
Red-shouldered blackbird

About the Red-shouldered blackbird

The red-shouldered blackbird (Agelaius assimilis), known in Cuban Spanish as mayito de la ciénaga (swamp mayito) or sargento cubano (Cuban sergeant) and turpial de hombros rojos (red-shouldered troupial), is a species of passerine bird in the family Icteridae endemic to Cuba. It is similar to other species in the genus Agelaius, but recent research has established it as a separate species from the closely related red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus). The males are very similar to those of the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), while the females are completely black, similar to the males but without the red and yellow stripes on the wings. In addition to having a different behavior, the sexual dimorphism in size and color of the plumage of the red-shouldered blackbird is less

Fun Facts About Red-shouldered blackbird

  • Although its reduced range covers only 4,100 square kilometres (1,600 sq mi), it has been classified as species of least concern.
  • The red-shouldered blackbird (Agelaius assimilis), known in Cuban Spanish as mayito de la ciénaga (swamp mayito) or sargento cubano (Cuban sergeant) and turpial de hombros rojos (red-shouldered troupial), is a species of passerine bird in the family Icteridae endemic to Cuba.
  • The males are very similar to those of the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), while the females are completely black, similar to the males but without the red and yellow stripes on the wings.
  • It is found only in the wetlands of the island of Cuba.
  • In the absence of evidence of population decline or significant threats, their numbers are believed to be stable.

Conservation Status

The Red-shouldered blackbird is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Orderpasserines
FamilyIcteridae
GenusAgelaius
SpeciesAgelaius assimilis

Range & Habitat

Range map of Red-shouldered blackbird

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Related Species

Other species in the Icteridae family: