MOST ICONIC BIRD CALL BRACKET: ROUND ONE: MALLARD DUCK vs. COMMON CUCKOO
IN THE BLUE CORNER, we have a returning crowd favorite, the feathered showman of the ring, the mallard duck!
with that glossy bottle-green head and that perfectly oiled plumage, this wrestler looks like he means business. this dabbling duck might prefer to peacefully forage for food underwater, but don't let that fool you - this is a bird that knows how to hold its own in a fight. similar to most ducks, this wrestler can be identified by a deep, loud quack - powerful, but endearing.
IN THE RED CORNER, this is no broken clock - it's the common cuckoo!
there's nothing common about this bird. this avian powerhouse is a master of deception and disguise, laying its eggs in the nests of other birds. even that barred plumage is part of its trickery, resembling an eurasian sparrowhawk and striking fear into the hearts of its opponents. and that call? ladies and gentlemen, if you are a fan of novelty clocks, you are surely in for a treat here. listen to that two-syllable coo-coo! is the cuckoo bird ready to swoop in and steal the show? let's find out!
Mallard! A dabbling duck - referring to how they “dabble” or tip toward and partially submerge in the water to forage for aquatic vegetation.
[ID: an illustration of a male mallard duck flapping its wings and honking. It is surrounded by purple pickerelweed flowers and leaves on a green background. End.]
Earthenware with underglaze & overglaze enamel decoration
Each tile: 10 x 10 in (25.4 x 25.4 cm)
Each panel: 40 x 20 in (101.6 x 50.8 cm)
On view at Philadelphia Museum of Art
The vibrant turquoise blue in these works was one of the signature glazes developed by ceramist Joseph-Théodore Deck, who was inspired by Turkish ceramics. The turquoise came to be so closely identified with the artist that it came to be known in the late 1800s as ‘Deck blue.’”
MOST ICONIC BIRD CALL BRACKET: ROUND TWO: MALLARD DUCK vs. RED WINGED BLACKBIRD
IN THE BLUE CORNER, from ponds across north america, it's the magnificent MALLARD DUCK!
with its striking green head and neck, contrasting brown body, and elegant wings, this bird is a true beauty in the ring. but don't think this is just a pretty bird - the mallard duck is a force to be reckoned with. a noisy species, the mallard makes the deep quack that's typically associated with most other ducks. the mallard is the genetic ancestor of most domestic duck breeds. whether on land or in water, this bird knows how to dominate the competition. the mallard duck is here to show the world that it's a force to be reckoned with in the ring, and it won't stop until it's claimed victory!
IN THE RED (winged) CORNER, get ready to witness the most thrilling match of the evening with the striking and fierce RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD!
with its striking red and black feathers and piercing call, this bird is a true showstopper. it's known for its melodious songs and aerial acrobatics that will leave you breathless. but don't let its beautiful appearance fool you, this bird is a fierce competitor with a will to win that's unmatched. get ready to witness the ultimate showdown as the red-winged Blackbird takes on all challengers in a battle of speed, strength, and agility. it's time to let the feathers fly and see who comes out on top in this epic matchup!