LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
REPORT FORM
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1. English and Scientific names: Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis |
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2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage
(e.g., 2 in alternate plumage): 1 male |
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3. Locality: Cameron Parish |
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Specific Locality: Oak Grove a.k.a. Rutherford Oaks |
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4. Date(s) when observed: 15 May 2011 |
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5. Time(s) of day when observed: ca. 1:00 p.m. |
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6. Reporting observer and address: Paul Conover /
Lafayette, LA |
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7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified
the bird(s): |
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8. Other observers who independently identified the
bird(s): |
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9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade
and to direction and amount of light): overhead sun bright, but bird mainly
in deep shade of large dense live oak |
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10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): zeiss 10s, Nikon fieldscope, Nikon
d50 w/300mm lens |
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11. Distance to bird(s): down to about 20 yards |
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12. Duration of observation: 15 minutes |
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13. Habitat: Coastal oak grove, mowed lawn |
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14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation
(flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits
used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): Bird was feeding with a small group of young
male Red-winged Blackbirds. It seemed
to keep its head down for extremely long periods of time as it worked the
dirt for food. The tail often cocked
up at a high angle away from the ground.
This bird seemed pretty tame. I
was able to pull up next to it and even start my car again without startling
it. |
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15. Description: A
blackbird slightly smaller and less bulky than the Red-wingeds
it was with. The bird seemed fairly
slender. Color overall was a deep
black with a gloss of blue and purple even in the deep shade. The blue/purple gloss included the entire
head. Tail was somewhat tulip-shaped
at tip, often cocked high above the bird as it foraged with head down on the
ground. |
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16. Voice: |
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17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by
your observation): Young male
Red-winged Blackbirds with epaulets hidden can be eliminated by side-to-side
size comparison, and bluish gloss.
Brown-headed Cowbird male eliminated by lack of brown head. Brewer’s and Rusty Blackbirds eliminated by
eye color, different tail shape.
Getting further out, Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting eliminated by
overall color, blue-black, not rich blue, and by bill shape. |
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18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom?
attached?): Attached |
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19. Previous experience with this species: I’ve seen this
species about a half-dozen times in LA, and many more times than that in FL. |
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20. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other
birders, etc. used in identification): |
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21. This description is written from: notes committed to
memory during sighting |
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22. Are you positive of your identification if not,
explain: Yes |
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Date: 05/19/2011 |
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