Sighted today (5/29) near Joshua Tree. There were three of them together flocking with HOFI and even though they flew with the finches they tended to stick together.
From a distance I thought Brewer’s blackbird because of the size and all-black coloration. However, I managed to get closer to see that they were not all-black but actually had a lighter brownish(?) head.
Ah ha! Cow birds!
Well, no. It turns out they had a ring around their neck and a lighter-colored bib as well. I have been birding this area for a decade and these were a first for me in this location, whatever they are.
What are they?
Second photo shows with HOFI in the shot to compare size.