I have always wanted a shot of this type of bird. Will have to do research, but I've seen them on this site. First time ever saw one when I went to look for hawks this morning with my husband and dog--beautiful day!
Great shot Daryl, wonderful light and colour. I have loads of these in the garden noisy, squabbling birds, but fun to watch and as you have shown beautifully coloured. They are an introduced species to the USA, and are considered an invasive species ( I know you know what that is, lol.). They are great mimics, they will do car alarms or mobile ring tones , and are related to Myna birds.
@markp Ohhhh! Ha, the invasive species thing--so true. I have only seen this bird once before I think--at the time did not register what it was. It was over a year ago. The colors are really stunning! It was way far up in a tower light, so this is best I could get. Thanks for the information!!
@darylo A couple things, I missed, they are somtimes called Shebies, over here, no idea why and I have seen them called Grackles on here, which I guess comes from its call. The other thing is if you get close enough the spots on its breast are heart shaped.
@markp@susanalena@darylo
In the U.S. Grackles are an entirely different bird from this, which is the Starling. I've never heard them mock other things, I think Mockingbirds do that enough. lol. Nice shot.
@mej2011@susanalena@darylo Haha, looks like I have started something here. Yes Melissa, you are right, Grackles are a completely species as you say, they are from the Genus Quiscalus, 11 different species. However some members of the Starling family, Genus Sturnus, have been known as Grackles, and also some hill mynas, Genus Gracula have also been known as Grackles. The Common names of birds can cause so much confusion sometimes, thank heavens for Latin names. Lol.
Some of this I knew, and I had a look on Wiki as well, hope this helps to sort out any confusion.
In the U.S. Grackles are an entirely different bird from this, which is the Starling. I've never heard them mock other things, I think Mockingbirds do that enough. lol. Nice shot.
Some of this I knew, and I had a look on Wiki as well, hope this helps to sort out any confusion.