#icteridae

[herpsandbirds]

Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus), 2 males having an intense discussion, family Icteridae, order Passeriformes, Mesa, AZ, USA

photograph by Dave Lehneman

[cyanocoracinae]

Had about four different dudes insist to me that there was "no way this was a red-winged blackbird, it was a sparrow, but it's ok because all birders have difficulty with sparrows."

Anyways, here's a female red-winged blackbird, lol.

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

For Halloween this year, consider forgoing the common raven decorations for a bronzed cowbird! These birds boast all the mystique of the black plumage, and adds to the spooky effect with blood-red eyes! Bronzed cowbirds are especially scary for other birds, as they are known to parasitize the nests of over 100 other species.

(Image: A male bronzed cowbird (Molothrus aeneus) by Carlos Escamilla)

[iridescent-wildlife]

Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna). Family Icteridae, order Passeriformes.

Oklahoma, USA. February 2021.

[tbalderdash-art-blog]

Reference photo from @augustheart

[chemistfail]

Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

[spinus-pinus]

Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus

2/17/2024 Patagonia Lake State Park, Arizona

This lovely lady grackle had a couple white tail feathers and was missing half a leg! Didn't seem to slow her down at all.

[shithowdy]

every time i visit the yellow-headed blackbirds at this marsh i am treated to something special. this time i watched a pair perform a circular, bobbing courtship dance in which the female remained bowed and facing the male as he quietly dipped and jumped a circle around her. this is not at all typical of them-- their typical courting involves the male perching himself conspicuously on a reed/branch/post and fanning his wings whilst screeching loudly. between this and the unique songs i have recorded at this marsh, i am beginning to wonder if these birds don't have their own regional "cultures". i look forward to observing them more.