He is definately darker than normal, and infact he'd be rahter dark winged even for a osceola.

A melanistic phase bird, however, would have nothing but black.... no brown spots... no white spots.... just black. I'm not trying to be a kill joy or anything here... he definately has some dendancies and traits... but I don't think he is what you'd consider "textbook".

Nice bird though, very cool, very unique.... certainly will make a nice conversation piece.