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English and Scientific names: |
Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus
bonariensis)
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Number of individuals: |
1 adult male |
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Locality: LOUISIANA: |
Jefferson Parish |
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Specific Locality: |
At end of SR 5748, located between Hector Lane and Cemetery Lane, off of LA 1, Grand Isle, LA. Residential property adjacent to Landry house B&B and cemetery. |
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Date(s) when observed: |
30 April 2006 |
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Time(s) of day when
observed: |
approx. 12:00pm |
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Reporting observer and address: |
Devin Bosler Baton Rouge, LA |
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Other observers accompanying reporter who also
identified the bird(s): |
none |
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Other
observers who independently identified the bird(s) |
none |
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Light
conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount
of light): |
mostly cloudy to partly
cloudy, observed in shaded area |
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Optical equipment: |
Zeiss victory FL 8x42 |
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Distance to
bird(s): |
ca. 30 meters |
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Duration of
observation: |
~3 minutes |
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Habitat: |
Residential yard with ornamental plantings, live oak, and hackberry predominantly. |
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Behavior of bird:
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The bird was observed feeding on a tray feeder at corner of residential property. The bird was facing away from me for the duration of the observation, but turned its head a few times revealing key field marks. |
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Description:
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An overall black, glossy appearance. Slightly smaller in size than BROC. Thinner, darker bill than BROC. A dark brown iris was apparent. |
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Voice: |
not heard |
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Similar
species: |
Bronzed Cowbird show a thicker bill, larger body size, and a bright red iris. In certain light BROC tend to show a "two-toned" glossy coloration and relative "larger" head appearance. |
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Photographs
or tape recordings obtained? |
none |
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Previous
experience with this species: |
seen previously in Panama |
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Identification aids: |
at time of observation:
none |
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This description is written from: |
mental notes taken at time of observation and memory |
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Are
you positive of your identification? If not, explain: |
Yes, because I'm familiar with the other two cowbird species, and this bird appeared considerably different. |
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Reporter: |
Devin Bosler
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Date and time:
|
5/7/06, 4:00pm |