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Most Animals with few or no powers seem to have a +3 level equivalent.
Example: A Roc (CR 9) appears to have a effective cohort level of 12.
What do you think a Thunderbird's (CR 11) effective cohort level would be?
A Thunderbird has 14 HD and is a Magical Beast with a few magic powers.
A Roc has 16 HD and is an Animal with no magic powers.
Both have roughly equivalent attacks with roughly equivalent physical damage.
A Kirin (Magical Beast) is normally a CR 7 but it's ECL is 13. The difference of 6 can be explained by the fact it's highly intelligent and can cast spells from the Sorc and Cleric spell lists. It also has a cone of fire special attack and has several spell-like abilities.
A Griffon (Magical Beast) is normally a CR 4 but its ECL is 8. The difference of 4 can be explained by the fact it is intelligent (although not very) and has a couple of special attacks (pounce, rake).
A Dragonne (Magical Beast) is normally a CR 7 but it's ECL is 10. The difference of 3 can be explained by it's two special attacks (roar, pounce) and the fact it's intelligent (but not very).
The Thunderbird is intelligent (average) and has one special attack (Thunderbolt) and one spell-like ability (Control Weather). It has an ability that is useful only in certain situations, like when weather affects vision. Its Storm Aura is a nice ability, but I see it rarely having a major effect in in-game situations.
I think I'd give it an ECL of 15 or 16. That's a +4 or +5 difference (I'm leaning towards +4).
Again, what do you guys think a Thunderbird's ECL should be?