Red-Winged Blackbird Hanging Ornament - Hand-Carved Basswood

Red-Winged Blackbird Hanging Ornament — Hand-Carved Solid Basswood

This Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is inspired by the global avian data and sightings tracked by eBird, the world’s largest biodiversity database maintained by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Few birds command attention like the male Red-Winged Blackbird — its jet-black plumage set ablaze by vivid scarlet-and-yellow shoulder epaulettes, displayed with unmistakable confidence from cattail marshes and roadside fences across the continent.

Technical Specifications

Collector’s Note

Unlike resin, this solid basswood piece allows for anatomical precision found in our full Hanging Bird Ornaments Collection. Basswood is the preferred medium of master carvers worldwide — its tight, uniform grain accepts fine detail cuts without splintering, holds paint with exceptional fidelity, and ages gracefully without warping. The Red-Winged Blackbird’s defining feature — the sharp-edged scarlet epaulette bordered by a clean yellow stripe against jet-black plumage — demands precise surface carving to define the shoulder patch before the first brushstroke is applied. Only solid wood delivers that edge with the crispness the species deserves.

Why You’ll Love It

• Authentic Detail: The jet-black body, vivid scarlet shoulder patch, and clean yellow border are carved and painted to field-guide accuracy — one of the most visually striking colour contrasts in all of North American birdlife, faithfully rendered in miniature.
• Eco-Friendly Art: Solid wood, not plastic or resin. A renewable, biodegradable material that leaves a lighter footprint without sacrificing beauty.
• Versatile Decor: Hang it on a Christmas tree, in a nature-themed room, from a window near a backyard marsh, or as part of a wetland bird vignette — the Red-Winged Blackbird’s bold colours make it a standout in any display.
• Thoughtful Gift: The perfect present for birdwatchers, wetland birding enthusiasts, and anyone who has heard the iconic conk-la-ree! call echoing across a spring marsh. Also a meaningful 5th anniversary gift — wood is the traditional material for five years together.

🐦 Did You Know?

• According to eBird data, the Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is consistently ranked among the most abundant birds in North America, with population estimates exceeding 150 million individuals. It is one of the most frequently logged species on the entire eBird platform, appearing in millions of checklists from Alaska to Central America each year.
• eBird observations reveal that male Red-Winged Blackbirds are fiercely territorial, actively chasing birds many times their size — including hawks and herons — away from their nesting marshes. Citizen scientists have documented this bold behaviour in thousands of checklist notes, making it one of the most frequently described interactions in eBird’s behavioural observation records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What material is this ornament made from?
It is hand-carved from solid basswood — a premium, sustainably sourced hardwood chosen for its fine grain and carving precision. No resin, no plastic.

How do I clean it?
Wipe gently with a dry or very slightly damp soft cloth. Avoid soaking or submerging in water. Store in a cool, dry place when not displayed.

Is this part of a larger collection?
Yes — explore our full range of hand-carved and hand-painted bird ornaments in the Hanging Bird Ornaments Collection, featuring dozens of species for collectors and gift-givers alike.