English and Scientific names:	Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis)
Number of individuals:	one adult male
Locality: LOUISIANA:	Grand Isle:(Jefferson)
Specific Locality:	Perched at the top of a bare chinese tallow on the east side of Cemetery Lane ca. 250 meters from its intersection with Wolfpak Lane.
Date(s) when observed:	14 April 2007
Time(s) of day when observed:	Between 5:20 and 5:25 PM
Reporting observer and address:	Justin Bosler Baton Rouge, LA
Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):	Devin Bosler
Other observers who independently identified the bird(s):	None that I know of.
Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light):	Light conditions were fair to good with a semi-bright overcast (low, thin ceiling) that produced minor backlighting issues.
Optical equipment:	Zeiss Victory FL 8x42, excellent condition
Distance to bird(s):	Approximately 20-25 meters
Duration of observation:	The observation lasted approximately 4-5 minutes.
Habitat:	Residential edge of oak-hackberry-tallow chenier with dense undergrowth of thick grasses, vines, and shrubs.
Behavior of bird:	The cowbird was first discovered perched at the very top of a bare chinese tallow, and subsequently began preening and singing as we approached for more desirable looks and to obtain video documentation.
Description:	A slim, or lankier, cowbird that was nearly entirely black, save for the violet-blue sheen on the head that extended down the nape to the upper back, and anteriorly to the central breast. The irides appeared blackish. The attenuated all black bill came to a fine point at the tip. The tail appeared longish and more rounded at the tip. As mentioned above, the back, wings, tail, and belly were wholly black. The legs were also blackish. Overall it appeared longer than Brown-headed or Bronzed Cowbird; superficially resembling male Brewer's Blackbird at first glance sans binoculars.
Voice:	A soft tinkling, or bubbly, song that moved to high-pitched, screechy notes at its termination. Roughly 2-3 seconds in duration. At least three songs were heard in their entirety.
Similar species:	Brown-headed Cowbird was ruled out by head coloration, bill length and shape, body size and shape, tail length, and of course, song, which eliminated Bronzed Cowbird as well. In addition, the aforementioned plumage and structural features which eliminated Brown-headed Cowbird would also remove Bronzed Cowbird from the equation.
Photographs or tape recordings obtained?	Video was obtained, which includes vocalizations. (video by Devin Bosler at the following link: http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=Shiny+cowbird - the first two video clips on the page.
Previous experience with this species:	One time previously at Grand Isle, LA (1 male, Apr 2006), and a second time south of Homestead, FL (2 males, Aug 2006).
Identification aids:	None
This description is written from:	This account has been written from notes taken at the time of the observation and from memory.
Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain:	I am 100% positive of my identification.
Reporter:	Justin Bosler
Date and time:	30 August 2007, 1:16 AM