This birds clear notes are delivered in robin like phrases, but the song is sweet. Male sing constantly, even while sparing to win the female. In flight the male shows rosy red wing linings, a white rump and black tipped white upper tail coverts; females flash yellow wing linings. First fall males have less streaking on upperparts than females, buffy wash across the breast , and red wing linings. First spring males are similar to adult males but with brown edges to the black plumage. Photo by Russ Huslage 2000