Perching

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus
Bronzed Cowbird thumbnail
Length: 9 in. (22 cm )
Occurring in open woodlands, feeding lots, and vegetated suburban areas, it usually flocks with other blackbird species. This cowbird often feeds on the ground where it eats grain and seeds. A brood parasite, the female cowbird puts an egg in each of several nests. It has been recorded parasitizing at least 77 other bird species, but most commonly those of Hooded Orioles. The female cowbirds use their bills to pierce the eggs of the host species or other cowbird species already in the selected nest before depositing their own egg. The host species then feeds and raises this relatively huge young.

The four-digit banding code is BROC.

Male | Jim Burns

Female | Jim Burns


Agricultural

Mesquite bosque

Riparian / River forest

Shrubs

Urban city
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Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Bronzed Cowbird
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: July 13, 2017
  • Date accessed: March 6, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/bronzed-cowbird

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (2017, July 13). Bronzed Cowbird. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved March 6, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/bronzed-cowbird

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Bronzed Cowbird". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 July, 2017. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/bronzed-cowbird

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Bronzed Cowbird". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 13 Jul 2017. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 6 Mar 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/bird/bronzed-cowbird

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
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