One of the birds I enjoy observing are the Red-winged Blackbirds, especially the males. It seems half of their time is spent defending their territories. Not just from other members of their own species, but they will go after many others, no matter the size difference. From members of the crow family, raptors, Great Blue Heron and others. More than a few times I have seen them accelerate and make contact with much larger birds in the air. In many cases, those larger birds are simply flying by, that makes no difference to the male blackbirds. Stay out of their territory.
As in this image, they will show off their red shoulder field marks, to keep their rivals away and to attract females. The males are able to hide the red epaulettes, to look less dominant. Making it easier to intrude on other male’s territory and be less combative. With the Red-winged Blackbird, you don’t have to go far to locate them during the spring and summer. Even though their population has declined the last forty years, they are one of the most abundant birds in the wild. I’m already looking forward to them returning next year.
