Shiny cowbird
Molothrus bonariensis
The shiny cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) is a passerine bird in the New World family Icteridae.
About the Shiny cowbird
The shiny cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) is a passerine bird in the New World family Icteridae. It breeds in most of South America except for dense forests and areas of high altitude such as mountains. Since 1900 the shiny cowbird's range has shifted northward, and it was recorded in the Caribbean islands as well as the United States, where it is found breeding in southern Florida. It is a bird associated with open habitats, including disturbed land from agriculture and deforestation. Adults are sexually dimorphic. Males are all black with a purple-blue iridescence. The female is smaller, with dull brown plumage that is sometimes paler on the underparts. Females of the species can be distinguished from the female brown-headed cowbird by their longer, finer bills and flatter heads. The shi
Fun Facts About Shiny cowbird
- Since 1900 the shiny cowbird's range has shifted northward, and it was recorded in the Caribbean islands as well as the United States, where it is found breeding in southern Florida.
- The shiny cowbird's diet consists mainly of insects, other arthropods and seeds, and they have been recorded foraging for grains in cattle troughs.
- The female is smaller, with dull brown plumage that is sometimes paler on the underparts.
- Males are all black with a purple-blue iridescence.
- Like most other cowbirds, it is an obligate brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of many other bird species such as the rufous-collared sparrow.
Conservation Status
The Shiny cowbird is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | passerines |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | Molothrus bonariensis |
Range & Habitat
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Other species in the Icteridae family: