Blackbird/Cowbird I.D Eastern Cuba (1 Viewer)

[OntBirder]

Hello,

I saw this species in a Garden in eastern Cuba. I'm debating about whether it's a Shiny Cowbird or a Cuban Blackbird. It could also be a Tawny-Shouldered Blackbird, but I have seen those and they look a bit different from this specimen.

All help is appreciated,
Thanks in Advance.

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/levfrid/2439157991/

 

[njlarsen]

I have only seen the Shiny Cowbird of the three suggested species, and especially the bill shape looks wrong for that species to me.

Comparing with other possible icteridae, Cuban blackbird does look like a possibility, but the bill looks heavy compared to the drawing in Raffaele. Could it be an immature Greater Antillean Grackle? Described as having flat tail and dark iris (both of which fit) and dull brownish-black plumage (which does not seem to fit).

cheers
Niels

 

[OntBirder]

It could very well be a Greater Antillean Grackle, I've seen many of those where this specimen was, but The bill looks a bit dull to me rather than that of the grackle..

Here is a picture of an adult Greater Antillean Grackle:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/levfrid/2397176770/in/set-72157604431050074/

As you can see the bill is pointed a bit more and in this bird it seems duller.

I am by far not an expert, though...

 

[rockfowl]

Have a look at this link, nice image of a Cuban Blackbird - http://bp2.blogger.com/_XPUrja6gfyc/R_NGdHiZn9I/AAAAAAAABWs/9vf1gmsTXbc/s1600-h/CUBA08(2)+047.JPG

 

[OntBirder]

Looking at that picture I believe my specimen is a Cuban Blackbird.

Thanks.