Identification - This abundant bird is slightly smaller than a robin. The male is all black with bright-red shoulder-patches. When perched, most of the red may be hidden but a buff border may appear as a pale line across the wing. It often flicks its tail when excited.
Morsels - This species is the most numerous bird in North America. Males their own small territories at a pond or marsh. If the territory is rich in food more than one female will nest within it, accepting the male's advances. But how does a female know if the male is healthy or not? She probably gets clues from the general condition of his plumage, such as the size and color of the red shoulder-patches, and from the vigor with which he courts her and defends his territory.
#What bird is this?;question\q02\q02.wav
P3ImageView
RWBL\153993.bmp
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ÆÇÇÇÇÇît║FRed patch with buff edge
2NÆÇÇÇÇÇ Male
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ÆÇÇÇÇÇ~ÅA╠All-black body
7╦ÆÇÇÇÇÇ '#What bird is this?;question\q02\q02.wav
