Shiny Cowbird

Feeding Behavior

Forages mostly by walking on the ground in open areas. Often forages in small flocks, and may associate with other kinds of cowbirds or other blackbirds. In the tropics, will feed in association with horses or cattle in pastures.

Eggs

Quite variable in color: may be unmarked white, or may have gray dots, large red spots, dark lines, brown blotches, or rarely can be all dark red. Number of eggs laid by a female in one season is unknown, but may be many. Female sometimes punctures eggs already in a nest before she lays her own. In South America, parasitizes nests of many species. May specialize in other areas: in Puerto Rico, mostly parasitizes Yellow-shouldered Blackbird. Young: Cowbird nestling is fed by "host" parents and develops rapidly, probably leaving nest after about 10-12 days.

Young

Cowbird nestling is fed by "host" parents and develops rapidly, probably leaving nest after about 10-12 days.

Diet

Mostly seeds and insects. Diet in North America has not been studied. In the tropics, feeds on insects and other arthropods, and many seeds.

Nesting

A brood parasite, never raising its own young. Early in breeding season, males sing to attract females. A male singing to a female on the ground may take off and fly in a wide circle around her with fluttering wingbeats. Nest: Builds no nest of its own; lays its eggs in nests of other birds.