Summary:
This article is about the the red-winged blackbird including a description, song, call and habits. It is not your typical blackbird. It is the most populous of the blackbirds. It will protect the nestlings in its territory even from much larger birds, as well as fearsome birds. Its unusual flocking habits make it unwelcome to many, yet its unusual behavior during nesting season makes it interesting to watch.

Details or Sample:
A hawk soars through the air unable to elude the three blackbirds chasing after it; they dive bomb the raptor at every opportunity and pluck at its tail feathers with their small beaks. A crow continually looks over his shoulder as he walks in a grassy field. A small blackbird, smaller than a robin, harasses the big bird. It follows behind the crow, slightly off to one side, and then jumps across its tail feathers. By the time the crow turns to see its tormentor, the little bird has jumped back to the other side.

This feisty bird is the red-winged blackbird. During nesting season, the male pursues and harasses any predator that violates its territory. It attempts to drive the predator away before it can spot the nest. Males from adjacent territories will join together to drive off an intruder.

Measuring seven to nine inches, the red-winged blackbird is considered a medium-sized song bird. It is easily recognized by its distinctive song and calls. Its song is composed of two pleasant notes followed by an unpleasant trill - "oh-ka-reeeeeee." The calls are a short "chek" and the alarm, which is "terrr-eeeee."

The male is also easily identified by the red patch edged in yellow on each shoulder. Often only a sliver of the red patch is visible. Since the rest of the bird´s feathers, legs and beak are black, even the smallest sliver of red or yellow stands out. He displays his entire bright red patch to attract a mate or to warn other males to stay out of his territory. When in search of food, he covers his patch completely if he ventures into another bird´s territory.

Purchase this content for your website...

Pricing:
Usage:	$15	[Add to Cart]
Unique:	$25	[Add to Cart]
Full Rights:	$50	[Add to Cart]

Downloads: 0
Written by: Christina Coruth
Available File Types:Text
Words: 562