The Shiny Cowbird is smaller and shorter-tailed than blackbirds and grackles. Male Shiny Cowbird can be told from male Brown-headed Cowbird by its lack of a brown head. Male Bronzed Cowbird has red eyes and a thicker bill. Female Shiny Cowbird very similar to female Brown-headed Cowbird but has longer, more pointed bill. Female Bronzed Cowbird has thicker bill and red eyes.