Fairly common locally in fresh and brackish marshes and wet pastures, where male is often conspicuous, perching atop bushes or wires. Besides his glossy black plumage with yellow bill and eyering, the male often attracts attention by big white wing patches that flash in flight. The very different female is much less noticeable and often keeps to vegetation. Female is overall streaky with a yellowish bill and eyering, and bright rusty wing flashes. Compare with female Yellow-winged Blackbird.