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Shiny Cowbird

Molothrus bonariensis

Published on Project Noah
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26.2527, -81.715

Field Notes

Description:

Irradescent blue and purple in the plumage when the light strikes it. At first I thought it was a starling. Then it started to sing. It is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
Liam
This is most definitely a Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis). Only bird in S. Florida this dark with a bill like that. He probably has been slapped (or, more appropriately, pecked), considering the Cowbird's aggressive behavior and the fact that it's breeding season. Cowbirds have a number of different calls. http://xeno-canto.org/browse.php?query=Shiny+Cowbird+%28Molothrus+bonariensis%29+68&species_nr=fuspfo
ebsharrett1950
I don't think so. The beak appears thicker and the Head feathers , to put it bluntly, looks like he was slapped two or three times. The song of the cowbird was nothing like the melody of this mysterious crooner.
LivanEscudero
The guide says song is similar to Brown-headed Cowbird, so you may want to listen to that one and see: http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/107/_/Brown-headed_Cowbird.aspx
LivanEscudero
How about Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) It just so happens according to NWF guide the only wintering population in the US is in the Naples area. http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/709/_/Shiny_Cowbird.aspx Unfortunatly no song file on this one to compare with what you heard.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Birds of the Southeast U.S.
Mission
Birds of the World
Mission
Global Flight
Mission
Florida's Flora & Fauna
Photographed
PublishedMarch 5, 2012

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