Grey Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis)

Other Names: Rainbird, Dr. Morris Bird, Pee-whittler; Length:18-21"(45.72-53.34 cm); Habitat: One of the most adaptable birds on the island strives in various habitats, the most likely bird to find on the powerlines, Nocturnal - seen around streetlights at night; Wetlands - around ponds hawking and skimming for insects; Statue: Resident Breeder, widely disturbed;  Conservation status: Least Concern

A Large flycatcher, 8.5-10 inches, with Grey Upperparts, with brownish wings and tail

white underparts

A White throat and undertail 

Black bill and legs

A grey crown with a concealed yellow crown stripe, dusky mask through the eyes, long black bill 

Omnivore: feed on insects, lizards and other reptiles, small mammals, also seeds and berries. 

These birds aggressively defend their territory against intruders, big or small

Grey Kingbird vs much large Osprey 

Grey Kingbird vs juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron

Common Gallinule(Gallinula galeata)

Juvenile Common Gallinule

Masked Duck

Nomonyx dominicus

Male in breeding plumage

Female with ducklings

Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis)

Subspecies: minimus, Length: 7.5" - 8" (17-21.5 cm), long tail, roundish wings; Males are all black with a purple-blue iridescence, Females have a dull brownish plumage that is sometimes paler on the underparts, Juveniles look like the female but streaks on breast and may have a yellowish wash, especially on the face. Habitat: pastures, low grassy areas, agricultural Areas; Statue: Very common, island-wide; 

Comments: A brood parasite, that is, like most other cowbirds, it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species leaving them to rear their chicks; Locally, the  Carib Grackles aka Black Bird, is the primary host, but includes Barbados bullfinch, Yellow Warbler, and Black-face Grassquit.

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Adult Males - glossy iridescence Purplish-black, black iris

Female -  dull brownish plumage

Juvenile - has a yellowish wash, especially on the face

Juvenile - streaks on breast 

A brood parasite

Female Shiny Cowbird about to lay its eggs in the nest of a Carib Grackle

Host - Carib Grackle searching for food to feed noisy Shiny Cowbird chick

Host - Barbados Bullfinch (L) with Shiny Cowbird Chick (R)

Host- Yellow Warbler, feed a Shiny Cowbird chick 

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Carib Grackle (Quiscalus lugubris)

Subspecies:  fortirostris, Local Name: Black Bird aka Barbados Grackle,

Length: 9.5" (24 cm), Description: black plumage, yellow iris, long wedge-shaped tail, black feet. Males: black with a violet iridescence, Females: black like the males but not as glossy, not as iridescence, Juvenile: like females but the iris is not as golden or yellow as adult. 

Habitat: open fields, pastures, low grassy areas, agricultural Areas

Status: Very common, island-wide; 

Similar Species: Male Shiny-cowbird - separated by the general shape of the bird, lacks a long tail and golden iris. 

Comments: The local endemic subspecies fortirostris, Barbados Grackle, differs from other Caribbean subspecies in that both the males and females are almost similar. It is the main host for the brood parasite Shiny Cowbird.

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Carib Grackles have a yellow iris

Carib Grackle male is black with a violet iridescence

Female Carib Grackles of subspecies fortirostris are also black like the males but not as glossy

Juvenile Carib Grackle being fed by a parent, note the eyes are not as yellow as adults

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