Keep reading for the answer!

We are excited to introduce a new feature called “Female Focus”. Female birds often present a challenge to birders, especially in species that are sexually dimorphic, where males and females look different. In contrast, some birds, like Blue Jays and American Crows, are sexually monomorphic, meaning the sexes look alike (though that means you’ll never know if you’re looking at a male or female!). 

Added to the identification conundrum, females are often less conspicuous than males. In many species, males do most of the singing to defend territories and attract mates, while females may be shyer. Many are not out there singing and defending territory. This makes us less familiar with their plumages and behaviors. Even the popular Merlin app usually defaults to showing the male first, because he’s brighter and easier to recognize. Take the Blackburnian Warbler, the male is fiery orange and bold, while the female is a softer, yellowish version that can easily be overlooked. 

Even in the scientific world, the focus has often been on males. Ornithological research, as well as the common names of many species, tends to highlight male traits. Think of the Blue Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, or Ruby-throated Hummingbird, none of the females show the colors their names suggest. 

For this first quiz, we’re showcasing a species where the difference is dramatic, the Red-winged Blackbird. Seeing a female doesn’t usually make me think, “Oh, that must be the female Red-winged Blackbird.” Other than size, they hardly look alike. The male is glossy black with bright red shoulder patches bordered in yellow, while the female is brown and heavily streaked. She is quite different, but beautiful in her own way. Both do share the same slender shape and conical bill. 

Have you ever been stumped when seeing a female bird?