English and Scientific names:

Shiny Cowbird - Molothrus Bonariensis

Number of individuals: 

One male

Locality: LOUISIANA

Cameron

Specific Locality:

Graveyard behind old Rutherford Motel, Cameron Parish

Date(s) when observed:

April 22, 2010

Time(s) of day when observed:  

10:32 AM

Reporting observer and address:

Thomas Finnie
Sulphur
, LA

Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):

Paul Conover was present and made the ID as soon as the Shiny Cowbird flew in and landed.

Other observers who independently identified the bird(s)

This bird was originally found by Melvin Weber on April 2, 2010.

Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):

Partly cloudy skies

Optical equipment: 

Nikon D300, 400 mm lens

Distance to bird(s): 

Fifty feet. Closest distance to bird was approximately thirty five feet.

Duration of observation:

 

Habitat: 

Mowed lawn at graveyard

Behavior of bird: 

Walking around on ground looking for food.

Description:

Iridescent purple and blue plumage with a dark eye and cowbird stature. See photos.

Voice:

Not vocal

Similar species:

The similar species is the Brown Headed Cowbird. This bird did not have the brown head or red eye.

Photographs or tape recordings obtained?

Photographs by me

Previous experience with this species: 

None

Identification aids:

Paul Conover was present and made the quick ID.

This description is written from: 

Description made from picture obtained. See images

Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain: 

 

Yes

Date and time: 

April 23, 2010 @ 10:45 AM