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
Hooded Warbler
Setophaga citrina
Rather small, yellow warbler that habitually flashes its white outer tail feathers. Males have distinctive black hood with yellow face; females duller with only a shadow of hood (some lack it completely). Most similar to Wilson's Warbler; always look for white in the tail on Hooded. Generally a bird of the understory in mature forest, often around patches of rhododendron. Song similar to Magnolia Warbler but stronger; "weeta-weeta-weeTEEyoo". Call sounds like two shot glasses being chinked together.
Pale Rockfinch
Carpospiza brachydactyla
A unique passerine that resembles a sparrow, finch, or lark, elongated and neat looking. Very plain overall with pale sandy-gray plumage, two rather prominent whitish wingbars, and a long conical bill. Breeds in semi-arid rocky hills and mountains, often nomadic. During migration found in a variety of open and arid habitats. Song is a distinctive cicada-like "Zzzziiiiiiiii… zzzziiiiiiiii…," given from a prominent low perch such as a bush, rock, or low tree.
Brown Skua
Stercorarius antarcticus
Large, dark brown skua with a very robust beak. Several subspecies vary in plumage from largely dark to mottled pale brown. In flight, exhibits a broad white patch on both upperwings and underwings. Usually seen well offshore, less often towards the coast; often follows boats. Lacks the capped appearance of Great and Chilean Skuas, and has darker underwing coverts than those species. The dark morph of South Polar Skua has colder tones and a smaller bill, but field separation is difficult.
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