Day 181: Sexual dimorphism is fairly common in birds, and it provides one of the greatest challenges to the beginning birdwatcher. It is quite evident in Red-Winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), the male's characteristics giving rise to the common name while the female is neither black nor red-winged, and can easily be mistaken for a sparrow. So what's a budding ornithologist to do? Observe the birds' behaviour and learn to identify their song!
Blackbirds show a marked preference for cattail bogs and can often be found clutching plant stems near the head. Cattails provide both a food source and nesting material for the species. The call of these birds is also quite readily distinguished by its liquid, musical quality.
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