Tawny-shouldered Blackbird
Agelaius humeralis
A gregarious species that uses a wide variety of habitats. It is colored black overall except for a yellow-orange shoulder patch, which is usually visible when perched, but should always be apparent in flight. The very similar male Red-shouldered Blackbird can be told by its redder shoulder. The female Red-shouldered Blackbird lacks color on the shoulder and thus can look nearly identical to a Tawny-shouldered Blackbird when its shoulder patch is hidden; sometimes, identification of females can only be made in flight. The Shiny Cowbird lacks a shoulder patch, is quite glossy, and has a shorter and stouter bill than the Tawny-shouldered Blackbird. Vocalizations include a rough “chet,” a sharp musical “chee,” and a metallic upslurred “willeee.”
Identification
Measuring 20 cm (7.9 in) long, this highly social species is entirely black, save for the namesake brown-orange patch at the shoulder. The patch may not be visible when the wings are folded.
Taxonomy
Two subspecies are described:
- Scientific name
- Agelaius humeralis
- Authority
- (Vigors, 1827)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
- Genus
- Agelaius
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Contopus virens
Drab grayish-brown flycatcher found in forested areas and edges. Nondescript overall with two pale wingbars; bill usually shows extensive orange on lower mandible. Note very long wings and larger size than Empidonax flycatchers. Typically seen on a high perch, occasionally sallying out to snatch an insect. Essentially identical to Western Wood-Pewee; averages paler overall with stronger upper wingbar, but reliably distinguished only by voice. Listen for clear whistled tones, especially the distinctive “PEE-a-weeEEE!” song.
Pale Prinia
Prinia somalica
A very pale, slim, long-tailed warbler of dry country. Pale gray-brown on the upperparts and white below, though immatures can show a buff wash. The tail is frequently cocked up. Found in dry thorn savanna and thornscrub, usually in pairs. Similar in appearance to Tawny-flanked Prinia, but found in drier habitat, and is paler and grayer on the back with no rufous on the flanks. The main vocalization is a series of dry, high-pitched “zhep” notes delivered in fast succession, similar to the song of Tawny-flanked Prinia, but faster and higher-pitched.
Great Woodswallow
Artamus maximus
A medium-sized bird of forest edge, clearings and even towns in the mountains. Dark, slaty gray upperparts and hood down to upper chest. White underparts, rump and a small patch on the edge of the wing. Similar to White-breasted Woodswallow, but Great is found at higher elevations, is larger and gray parts much darker. Voice, a rather scratchy, jumbled song and a nasal “wek!”.
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