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Shiny Cowbird

Molothrus bonariensis

Migration Flyway

Showing primary migration corridor(s) for this species

Last Spotted Near You

View on eBirdWikipedia

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.

Source: Wikipedia

Classification

Scientific name
Molothrus bonariensis
Family
Troupials and Allies
Order
Passeriformes

Similar species

Other members of the troupials and allies family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.

  • Altamira Oriole Icterus gularis
  • Audubon's Oriole Icterus graduacauda
  • Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula
  • Bar-winged Oriole Icterus maculialatus
  • Black-backed Oriole Icterus abeillei
  • Black-cowled Oriole Icterus prosthemelas
  • Black-vented Oriole Icterus wagleri
  • Boat-tailed Grackle Quiscalus major
  • Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus
  • Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus
  • Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus
  • Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater

Know when the Shiny Cowbird turns up near you

Add it to your watchlist and draw an alert zone around the places you actually bird. Birdr checks eBird reports and tells you when one is seen inside it.

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