Red-winged blackbirds are year-round residents of Kentucky and most of the continental US. They typically nest in cattails or bulrushes in marshes and swampy areas but may also nest in drier fields. Males fiercely defend their territory and may attempt to chase away animals or even people. Males often have several female mates. While it is hard to mistake a male red-winged blackbird for anything else, the red wing patches are sometimes partially hidden. Males prominently display these patches when singing or defending their territory. During courting, a male may droop his wings and then shrug his shoulders to make the most of his bright wing patches. Female red-winged blackbirds are harder to identify with brown and cream sparrow-like coloring.