Help with ID

[arash_hazeghi]

Can anyone confirm the ID of the black bird in this photo

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...d=1#post667231

This was taken in Florida, possible choices are grackle or crow.

[John Chardine]

Hi Arash- Beautiful image! The bird isn't a crow. American Crows are only slightly smaller than the Snail Kite and the Fish Crown is about 3/4 the size. The bill on this bird is right for a blackbird and to me the bird looks like a Red-winged Blackbird without the red epaulets. It doesn't look like a Common Grackle and it's too small for a Boat-tailed Grackle, and the tail isn't right. It could be a Brewer's or Rusty Blackbird, although these would be a little out of range and the adults have light eyes. I'm going to stick my neck out and say a melanistic Red-winged Blackbird but I'm far from sure. Interesting bird. Look forward to other opinions.

[Dan Brown]

Hi Arash. I noticed this bird in your great action shot the other day and looked really close but couldn't ID the bird. But, I am throwing in my 2 cents here! I do not think it is a Grackle of any species. The eye color/tail length/dark plumage combo point to two possibilities - Eastern race of Brown-headed Cowbird and Shiny Cowbird. Shiny Cowbird would be very rare at the location (Lake Toho?) and would probably be more colorful, so I am ruling it out. So, it boils down to the Eastern race of the Brown-headed Cowbird, a male. The eastern BH cowbirds have a different shape to their bill, which fits your bird and..... it may be my imagination but I seem to see a difference in contrast between the back plumage and the head here, giving your bird a brown head! And the brown on a cowbirds head often doesn't show, except in strong light from just the right direction. You could probably call it a "probable BH Cowbird" !

PS. I just read John's post and wouldn't rule the mutant red-wing out either!

[John Chardine]

interesting Dan. I never even thought of a cowbird because of the look of the bird and the bill shape. To me it just doesn't have the facial look of a cowbird which includes the head and bill shape.

[Dan Brown]

interesting Dan. I never even thought of a cowbird because of the look of the bird and the bill shape. To me it just doesn't have the facial look of a cowbird which includes the head and bill shape.

After reading your post, I am really leaning that way (RWBB, melanistic) The chances of this bird being a cowbird are much greater, but I agree, he looks like a redwing! Also, the habitat and behavior seem to be in your favor. He's chasing a threat away from a nesting area (assumed) and a cowbird wouldn't be doing that!

[arash_hazeghi]

Thanks, I will go back to my files and post a closer view of the black bird maybe that will help...so grackle is ruled out

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Arash, I was also think it is a RWBB.....that is why i mentioned it there and asked you to post here....the shape, the bill.. all point to that...but the lack of red had me stumped a bit. Glad the experts have given their opinions.

[WIlliam Maroldo]

I brought this up with the original post, and my first impression had been it was a RWBB, but ruled this out because of the lack of epallets, or whatever the correct spelling is. However in every other way, size, bill, shape, color, it is a RWBB. I hadn't thought of a melanistic individual, as John has suggested, but I think that is exactly what it is. regards~Bill

[arash_hazeghi]

here is another closer look at the mystery bird.

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...054#post670054

I also think it is a RWBB, if you look at the larger version there is a tiny red spot on the upper wing (if it matters? )

[Dan Brown]

here is another closer look at the mystery bird.

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...054#post670054

I also think it is a RWBB, if you look at the larger version there is a tiny red spot on the upper wing (if it matters? )

I agree. An interesting bird! Makes your fine capture more special, IMO!

[Paul Guris]

I'd agree with Red-winged Blackbird. This may be a second year bird that simply hasn't formed it epaulets yet. I've also seen some very dark females, but I think this may be beyond the range of normal variation for a female.

[arash_hazeghi]

thanks guys, RWBB it is then!