Red-winged
Blackbird Dictionary
Okalee
Song (o-ka-lee') 1. Given
by males in spring. The song is given on territory. Its purpose is to
warn other males off the territory ("This
is MY piece of this marsh") and to attract mates ("Check
out THESE cattails!").
Chip
Call (chip) 1. Given by males and females in many situations
as a general contact call ("Hey, look! Food!") 2. Alerts
group members to danger ("Heads up!")
Chap
call (chap) Very similar to Chip call. 1. Given by males
and females in many situations as a general contact call ("Hey,
look! Food!") 2. Alerts group members to danger ("Heads
up!")
Sputter
Call [also called the "Teer" or Female Song] (chatter
or sputter) Given by females when defending nest area or chasing off
other females. ("Go build your nest somewhere
else!")
Twitter
Call (long drawn out twitterings) 1. Given by both males
and females during courtship ("Hey, sweetie!") 2. Given
by females after a Sputter Call, perhaps to show nearby females which one
is most dominant ("I'm queen of the marsh!")
Whistle (downward
slurred "Jeer") Given by males in alarm situations ("Look
out! Here comes a human!")
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