Shiny Cowbird
MOLOTHRUS BONARIENSIS
Shiny Cowbird
MOLOTHRUS BONARIENSIS
The Shiny Cowbird is a passerine bird. They are often mistaken for the Carib Grackle. The male is all black with an iridescent purple-blue gloss. Females are smaller and are dark brown being paler on the underparts.
They are found in open and woodland areas. They feed mainly on insects and some seeds and forage on the ground or perched on cattle. They are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other bird species. The eggs are either whitish and unspotted, or pale blue, or green with dark spots and blotches. The incu- bation period is 11–12 days which is shorter than most hosts. The male’s song is a purr and whistle, purr purr purrte-tseeeee. The female makes a harsh rattle.
MOLOTHRUS BONARIENSIS
The Shiny Cowbird is a passerine bird. They are often mistaken for the Carib Grackle. The male is all black with an iridescent purple-blue gloss. Females are smaller and are dark brown being paler on the underparts.
They are found in open and woodland areas. They feed mainly on insects and some seeds and forage on the ground or perched on cattle. They are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other bird species. The eggs are either whitish and unspotted, or pale blue, or green with dark spots and blotches. The incu- bation period is 11–12 days which is shorter than most hosts. The male’s song is a purr and whistle, purr purr purrte-tseeeee. The female makes a harsh rattle.
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