Rarely seen far from water, this handsome blackbird is fairly common, but is sometimes local in wetlands, around lakes, and in nearby fields; usually in small flocks and breeds colonially in reed beds. Feeds mainly on or near the ground, but often perches in reeds. Diagnostic yellow shoulder of male can be concealed at rest, but is obvious in flight. Streaky female rather unremarkable, but often in the company of males: note the bold pale eyebrow and streaked underparts.