Scarce but locally common in open areas, particularly near cattle and feed lots. The largest cowbird, a weird bird that seems to have a variety of postures. Large-chested with a pointed head, it will suddenly hunch its back, puffing its neck feathers out to form a ruff. ♂: hovers in unique breeding display. ID: Very thickset bird with broad, muscular neck. Heavy, pointed bill extends onto forehead. Bold red iris striking on all but youngest birds. Ad ♂: very dark with contrasting eye and glossy blue wings and tail. Ad ♀: a browner and duller version of ♂ with very little contrast in plumage. Juv: similar to ♀. ♂: grows adult-like feathers through first winter.