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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: |
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Specific Locality: |
Bradbury Residence, Grand Isle, LA |
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Date(s) when observed: |
24 April 2010 |
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Time(s) of day when observed: |
Noon |
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Reporting observer and address: |
Erik I. Johnson |
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Other observers
accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): |
Cecile Johnson |
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Other observers who
independently identified the bird(s) |
many - reported
the week before at the Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival. Seen by Josh Sylvest and Richard
Temple on same day as me. |
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Light conditions (position
of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): |
overcast offering
soft even mid-day light. |
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Optical equipment: |
Swarovski EL 10 x 42 |
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Distance to bird(s): |
5m at closest |
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Duration of observation: |
10 minutes |
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Habitat: |
yard; at feeder with other blackbirds and cowbirds |
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Behavior of bird: |
Feeding under feeder in lawn and picking gravel off street and
driveway. Viewed from car to not flush/disturb the bird. It was
in the presence of Red-winged Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Bronzed
Cowbirds, and European Starlings, providing excellent comparisons to these
species. |
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Description: |
Glossy blue-black, especially on head, back, and throat with
dark iris. Typical blackbird bill: pointed and conical-shaped. |
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Voice: |
not heard |
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Similar species: |
Combination of glossy plumage, no brown in head, and dark eye
eliminate all other blackbirds, grackles, and cowbirds. |
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Photographs or tape
recordings obtained? |
None |
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Previous experience with
this species: |
Only seen in tropics - familiar urban bird in |
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Identification aids: |
Sibley Guide to North American Birds |
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This description is written from: |
Memory |
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Are you positive of your
identification? If not, explain: |
Yes |
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Date and time: |
1 May 2010, 20:30 |