Warning: Spoilers for Sam Wilson: Captain America #3!Unlike in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the newCaptain Americais still allowed to use his superpowers in the comics. MCU fans have watched Sam Wilson’s journey ever since his onscreen debut inCaptain America: The Winter Soldier, watching him blossom from Falcon to Captain. However, the movies ignored his power from the comics, which is talking to birds - and specifically his falcon “friend,” Redwing.
A preview ofSam Wilson: Captain America#3 by Greg Pak, Evan Narcisse, Eder Messias, and Valentine De Landro reveals just how useful a power like this can be for a superhero likeSam Wilson’s Captain America.
The ability to talk to birds can sound like the butt of a joke to some people, but Sam being saved thanks to his psychic connection to Redwing shows just howuseful bird communication is for Cap.
Captain America Sam Wilson’s Forgotten Ability to Talk to Birds Saves His Life
Sam Wilson: Captain America#3 by Greg Pak, Evan Narcisse, Eder Messias, Valentine De Landro, Fer Sifuentes-Sujo, and Joe Caramagna
Before he was Captain America, Sam Wilson was best known as Steve Rogers' ally, the Falcon. As such, the comics established the Falcon’s powers as being in line with his codename. In fact, it isn’t until later in his superhero career that Wilson gains the ability to take flight like a bird thanks to a glider harness created for him by Black Panther. Originally, his name comes fromhis power to communicate with birds, specifically his connection to his trusty falcon sidekick, Redwing. At one point,Captain America’s utterly unique powerled to Sam Wilson being a mutant, though his mutant status was later retconned.
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Most recently, Captain America has been in the thralls of a tech corporation called Eaglestar. In their efforts to recruit the historically disenfranchised to their company, Eaglestar want to use Sam’s powers to help train and experiment on their employees. Before Sam’s cousin, Billie (who is involved with Eaglestar), tries harder to convince Sam of the dream behind Eaglestar,Redwing telepathically warns Captain Americathat all is not as it seems. This isn’t the first time that Redwing has saved Sam’s life, but it proves just how useful Sam’s power can be.
It’s Time to Put Some Respect on Captain America’s Superpower
Talking to Birds Isn’t as Silly as It Sounds
It’s understandable why the MCU left Captain America’s superpowers off-screen. On paper, any superhero with animal-talking powers can be viewed as silly. Even in the comics, Wilson’s ability to talk to birds is, on occasion, a source of humor for audiences and even other heroes to poke fun at. It’s an easy target, seeing as talking to birds doesn’t sound as lucrative as the top offensive ordefensive Marvel powers. However, the superpower feels more useful when readers remember that Sam isn’t just talking to birds;Captain Americacommandsbirds.
When Captain America is in distress or on the brink of death, he can use his powers to summon birds like Redwing to his aid.
When Captain America is in distress or on the brink of death, he can use his powers to summon birds like Redwing to his aid.Sam Wilson: Captain America#3 shows how such a connection can save Sam when he needs help. Sam doesn’t necessarily talk to birds in that he converses with them; instead, through telepathy, he can command birds to fly wherever he needs them to be or to attack, and as with Redwing here, he can understand when they’re in distress, ultimately helpingCaptain Americafight crime in his own way whilst protecting himself.
Sam Wilson: Captain America#3is available March 19th, 2025 from Marvel Comics.
Captain America
Initially debuting in 1940, Captain America is the patriotically themed superhero who has shared the title with only a few individuals. Beginning with Steve Rogers, Captain America’s birth resulted from a frail man taking part in an experimental U.S. Army super-soldier trial, which imbued him with super-human abilities. The character is often depicted wielding a nigh unbreakable and aerodynamic shield made of vibranium that they use to defend and attack their foes.
