Courtship Display, Red-Winged Blackbird (34175006724)

Description:

Summary[edit] Description: NPS/Patrick Myers The distinctive late spring courtship call of the male red-winged blackbird - "KonkaREE!" - is accompanied by his wings spreading to flash brilliant red and yellow shoulder patches. Through this display, he marks his territory and impresses females, which are a camouflaged brown color. Once their nest is established, he assists in the feeding of the babies while also fiercely defending them from predators. Male red-winged blackbirds have even attacked huge sandhill cranes that get too close to their family's nest! At Great Sand Dunes, look for these brave and colorful blackbirds in wetlands along Medano Creek and west of the dunefield. Learn more about the 250 species of birds found in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: www.nps.gov/grsa/learn/nature/birds.htm. Date: 21 March 2017, 17:11. Source: Courtship Display, Red-Winged Blackbird. Author: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.