A male Red-winged Blackbird caught my eye during a walk at Sunnymede Park in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was perched on a fence, but his colors did not look quite right.
Instead of the clean black plumage I expect, this bird showed brown streaks through his feathers. His red wing patches also looked duller than usual.
Unusual Red-winged Blackbird on a Sunnymede Park Fence
I saw this bird on May 12, 2023, at 9:26 in the morning. He was sitting along one of the park trails at Sunnymede Park.
Male Red-winged Blackbirds usually stand out fast. Their glossy black feathers and bright red shoulder patches are hard to miss.
This bird looked different. The black feathers had brown mixed through them. The red patches on the wings looked softer and less bright.
Those colors puzzled me when I saw him in the field. They stood out even more when I checked the photos later at home.
I could not say for certain what caused the muted look. Individual birds can show variation, and this one had a much earthier appearance than I expected.
For a useful comparison with a more typical territorial moment, see my post on Red-winged Blackbird’s Display and Call.
Photographing This Blackbird From the Park Trail
I photographed the bird from the trail while he stayed perched on the fence. That gave me a clear look at the feather pattern and wing patches.
The fence perch helped separate the bird from the background. It also made the unusual plumage easier to study later.
I used the long end of my zoom lens for this photo. That let me keep some distance while still filling the frame with the bird.
Camera details:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Location: Sunnymede Park, Fort Smith, Arkansas
- Date and time: May 12, 2023, 09:26 A.M.
- Aperture: f/8
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 1000, Auto
- Exposure compensation: 0
- Support: Hand-held
- Focal length: 500 mm
This Red-winged Blackbird reminded me why I enjoy slow walks through familiar places. Even common birds can show something unexpected.
The brown streaking and duller wing patches made this bird stand apart. I left the park with a stronger appreciation for the small surprises nature offers.
Some wildlife encounters are dramatic. Others are quiet, puzzling, and worth a second look.
I’m no bird expert but maybe he was a juvenile.
You maybe right! I spoke to a friend that knows birds and at first she thought the same thing, but was not sure.
Very interesting. As my comment said, I think it’s either due to the diet or more likely a recessive genetic trait popping up.. 🤔