Dear birders,

 

How much variation does one see in the yellow epaulette of Red-winged
blackbirds? I read in my guides that it can appear buffy. The one I saw
today behind my house (through a spotting scope from the upstairs window)
looked clearly white, esp compared to the yellow one on the male next to
him.

 

I'm not suggesting that there is a tricolored blackbird in Maryland! But I
would appreciate any input from others who may have experience/knowledge
with the subtle differences btw RWBBs and TBBs.

 

Thanks,

 

Jonathan Balcombe

Germantown, MD 

Author: Pleasurable Kingdom: Animals and the Nature of Feeling Good
(Macmillan, May 2006)

http://www.macmillanscience.com/1403986010.htm

www.pleasurablekingdom.com <http://www.pleasurablekingdom.com/>