Male power

It's all about the males in this week's SMAP !

Unlike in the human species (I'm biased, I know), in our featheredfriends kingdom males are the prettiest; in the species where there are visual differences between males and females, males normally have the brightest colours, or longer feathers, or any other characteristic that stands out.

Sometimes the differences are very subtle, other times the difference is so big that birds from the same species were thought to belong to different species - check the ecletus parrots, for instance!

In the species where visual differences are notorious, these little guys are among my favourites:

^{Common stonechat - Saxicola rubicula}

They were one of the first species I've learned to recognize, and they're a novice birdwatchers dream: clear sexual dimorphism, and they usually perch in high and clear places, like this. On top of branches, trees, fences, where they usually stand out.

To top it up, they're usually quite vocal as well! These were taken just the past week, as Spring is starting, a perfect time to be loud and attrack females... and birdwatchers!

The characteristic black head and brown chest is clearly visible here. And as you can see... two different branches, and the little guy is perched at the very tip.

They can be seen in urban areas, although they're more common in rural areas. This next guy, on the other hand, is all over the place where I live.

^{Black redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros}

This is another species where it's impossible to mistake males and females: males are black with the distinctive red tail, and white wing patches.

One cool behaviour characteristic, this one similar to both sexes: it's very common to see them move their body down and up, while wagging the tail really quick. At least here in Portugal, I know no similar behaviour in a bird this size; so you can have a good idea that you're seeing a redstart even if the light conditions are not the best.

I got busted here; zoom cameras can only get you so far. But it was enough to get decent pictures of these cool critters. Let's hope my luck continues for the next birdwatching sessions!

Have a great weekend everyone!

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