Birdwatching question...?

Question

I live in New England. I was walking in the park today, and I kept seeing these gorgeous birds. They were black, but they had a little bit of orange on their upper wing. I don't think they were orioles because orioles have orange undersides, not orange wings.

I was just curious as to what kind of bird this could be.

Answer 1

I agree with the red-winged blackbird ID.  Next time you walk in the park, listen for their call - it should be an almost-metallic "tonk-la-reeeeeeee."

Only the males are black with red shoulders.  Females are streaky brown and look like really big sparrows.

Answer 2

red wing blackbirds

Answer 3

I'd guess that they're red-winged blackbirds.  The males are black all over, with a little patch of red on the shoulders.  Here's a picture to compare:

http://www.kiroastro.com/images/va/4006_...

They also have a bit of yellow underneath the red, but it doesn't always show.