Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Floodwall and Dutch Gap Conservation Area
Common Name:  Red-winged Blackbird
Scientific Name: 
Length:  6.7-9.1 in
Weight: 1.1-2.7 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in

Quick Facts

• There’s subtle variation in Red-winged Blackbirds across the country. The most obvious case is the “bicolored blackbird” of coastal California, which shows no yellow border on the red shoulders.
• The red-winged blackbird aggressively defends its territory from other animals. It will attack much larger birds and even buzz humans that get to close.
• Virtually all of North America’s raptors eat adult or young red-winged blackbirds, even barn owls, which usually only take small mammals, and northern saw-whet owls, which are scarcely larger than a male red-winged.
• This species is polygynous, meaning that one male will mate with and share territory with more than one female. Red-winged Blackbirds usually nest in loose colonies, with a male attracting up to 15 females to nest within a territory.

Mellow at Richmond SPCA

Mellow is a silly hound looking for a fun home! He did great living in his foster home! He had four doggie siblings that he played very well with, although their introductions had to be done slowly. He did not have a single potty accident at his fosters house! Mellow has seizures that are managed with medication. This did not stop him from enjoying hiking, wrestling with his doggie friends and enjoying all life has to offer.

Age: 5 years, 4 months
Gender: Neutered Male
Color: Tan / White
Size: L (dog size guide)
ID: 43438119

Adopt Mellow at the SPCA

Learn more about their adoption process.

To reduce visitor traffic, during the COVID-19 outbreak they are scheduling adoption appointments beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Please leave your phone number in a voicemail or email and an adoption counselor will call to set an appointment for you to meet with a pet. Email the adoption center or call 804-521-1307.