Come identificare Red-winged Blackbird

Per identificare correttamente Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), controlla ciascuna di queste caratteristiche. Gli uccelli possono essere complicati da riconoscere, perché comportamento, habitat e canto spesso confermano ciò che una sola foto non può.

Dimensioni a colpo d'occhio

Lunghezza

17-23 cm (6.7-9.1 in)

Apertura alare

31-40 cm (12.2-15.7 in)

Peso

40-80 g (1.4-2.8 oz), males typically larger than females

Caratteristiche fisiche da controllare

1. 1

   Piumaggio

   Colorazione e disegno generale del piumaggio.

   Adult males are glossy black with prominent red shoulder patches (epaulets) bordered by a narrow band of yellow. Females are streaky brown overall, resembling a large sparrow, with a pale eyebrow, streaked underparts, and sometimes a reddish or pinkish wash on the shoulders or throat. Juvenile males resemble females but may show some orange or reddish mottling on the shoulders.

2. 2

   Forma del becco

   Forma e colore del becco, un segno di campo chiave.

   Conical, sharply pointed, black in color.

3. 3

   Colore degli occhi

   Colore dell'iride e segni distintivi sugli occhi.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Colore delle zampe

   Colore di zampe e piedi.

   Black

5. 5

   Caratteristiche distintive

   Tratti distintivi che separano questa specie.

   Male's bright red and yellow epaulets. Female's heavily streaked brown plumage with a pale supercilium and sharp, conical bill.

6. 6

   Aspetto giovanile

   Come i giovani si differenziano dagli adulti.

   Juveniles of both sexes are streaky brown, similar to adult females. Young males gradually acquire black plumage and develop orange-red epaulets that become brighter with age. Juvenile females are indistinguishable from adult females in basic plumage.

7. 7

   Cambiamenti stagionali

   Variazione del piumaggio tra stagione riproduttiva e non.

   Males maintain their breeding plumage year-round, though the red epaulets may be partially concealed by black feather tips in fresh fall plumage, becoming more exposed with wear. Females show little seasonal change, remaining streaky brown.

8. 8

   Dimorfismo sessuale

   Differenze tra maschi e femmine.

   Highly sexually dimorphic. Males are entirely glossy black with vivid red and yellow shoulder patches. Females are duller, streaky brown, lacking the prominent red epaulets, though some may show a faint reddish tinge.

Segni di campo chiave

• Male Plumage. Look for the unmistakable glossy black body with bright red shoulder patches (epaulets) bordered by yellow. These are visible even in flight.
• Female Plumage. Identify females by their heavily streaked brown plumage, resembling a large sparrow. Note the pale eyebrow (supercilium) and sharp, conical bill. Some may show a faint reddish wash on the shoulders or throat.
• Song. Listen for the distinctive, gurgling 'conk-la-ree!' song, often delivered from a high perch in a marsh or field.
• Habitat. Check wetlands, marshes, wet meadows, and agricultural fields. They are rarely found far from water or dense vegetation.
• Behavior. Observe males displaying their red epaulets during territorial disputes or courtship. Look for large flocks outside the breeding season, often foraging in open fields.

Esplora Red-winged Blackbird