Subject: Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus, with dragonfly prey

Location: East of Buckhannon, Upshur County, West Virginia

Stock Number: MEW-31

Comments: Dragonflies are such masterful hunters it is easy to forget that they themselves fall victim to other hunters of the air.

I saw this Red-winged Blackbird perched in a tree with a dragonfly in his beak. The amazing thing to me was, the bird kept up his constant complaint that I was in his territory. I don't know how he could do so much vocalizing while still hanging on to the dragon. Nor was he mumbling!

Note: For a large number of photos of dragonfly species, see our Odonata of West Virginia website.