Female Brewer's Blackbird or Brown-Headed Cowbird, Reno NV USA (2 Viewers)

[Birds4Kathy]

I went to a local marsh yesterday (Damonte wetlands) and saw over 200 blackbirds including many with brown heads. At first I thought they were Brown-Headed Cowbirds but since BHC are only occasionally reported here I begin to think they may be female Brewer's Blackbirds. I have included a photo but it suffers from being taken toward the end of the day so I had to lighten it to see details. For this reason the the colors may not be entirely accurate. So are they Brewers or Cowbirds? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Kathy

 

[KC Foggin]

Brown-headed Cowbirds.

 

[Joseph Bouvier]

Definitely brown headed cowbirds. The colours match perfectly + the bill is not right for brewer's blackbirds

 

[Birds4Kathy]

Thanks! So there are more Brown-headed Cowbirds there than the reports suggest. I guess 200 blackbirds can be a bit overwhelming. Kathy

 

[nartreb]

Certainly brown-headed cowbirds. Besides the colors, look how thick their beaks are.

The interesting bit is that all the birds in this photo are males. Were all 200 identical?

 

[PYRTLE]

Possibly under recorded if they are so prevalent. Great image by the way.

 

[njlarsen]

Compare https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Brewer's_Blackbird. Notice the yellow eye of the male and the much paler plumage of females.

Niels

 

[Andy Hurley]

Definitely brown headed cowbirds. The colours match perfectly + the bill is not right for brewer's blackbirds

A wise birder once said that pattern and shape are as important as colour. Moreso in bad light. If the colours are a little out, but the pattern is spot on, it is probably down to lighting.