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We’re getting into that part of the spring when Red-winged Blackbirds’ courtship behavior reaches a fever pitch. It’s not uncommon for me to encounter dozens of males, all calling simultaneously in an attempt to attract the attention of females.
For those of you who’ve never heard one of these blackbirds calling, take my word for it, he can be almost inconceivably loud. It’s sometimes hard to believe that something that is so relatively small can generate such high-decibel noise. When many of them are calling simultaneously the resulting cacophony can be almost-ear shattering.
It may be that the ladies are attracted to the loudest callers. Perhaps calling so loudly is a sign of virility and may suggest to the females that the especially loud callers make the best mates. But if that is so, then rest assured, there is plenty of competition for the honor of loudest caller.
Image made with a Canon R5, Canon EF 400mm f4 DO II lens+Canon EF 1.4x telextender, M setting (auto ISO), ISO 1250, f5.6 @ 1/3200.
Sonoran Images 
Interesting hypothesis about selection for the loudest callers, would be a neat study if someone could figure out how to parse out individual calls in the often crowded breeding areas. Beautiful photo and great post!