The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a medium-sized songbird with glossy black feathers and red patches on its shoulders. The patches, also known as epaulets, are visible when the bird is resting and flash while it flies. The male's shoulder patches are distinctive, and he can puff them up or hide them depending on how confident he is. Immature males may have red shoulder patches that are sooty-brown and appear mottled. Females are brownish and have streaked breasts.