First heard then seen as we walked along sandy road from Visitors Center to beach through open, swampy woodlands. Vocalizations distinctive "squeaky," "rusty hinge" sounds made by the entire group. Watched several individuals as they foraged and called from the muddy ground and in the trees. Stout blackbird with short, black, slightly downcurved spiky bill; much shorter tail than Grackles, startling yellowish eyes. All birds seen were males in spring plumage, glossy black with evident greenish sheen. Estimated number of birds probably low.
Details
First heard then seen as we walked along sandy road from Visitors Center to beach through open, swampy woodlands. Vocalizations distinctive "squeaky," "rusty hinge" sounds made by the entire group. Watched several individuals as they foraged and called from the muddy ground and in the trees. Stout blackbird with short, black, slightly downcurved spiky bill; much shorter tail than Grackles, startling yellowish eyes. All birds seen were males in spring plumage, glossy black with evident greenish sheen. Estimated number of birds probably low.