Bronzed Cowbird

Bronzed Cowbird
The Bronzed Cowbird parasites other birds' nests, particularly nests of orioles, tanagers, flycatchers, buntings, grosbeaks, thrashers and thrushes. Typical host birds nest in brushy habitats in semi-open to open ranch and farm areas as well as in residential areas. More than one female may leave eggs in a host’s nest and laying females frequently pierce the eggs already in the host’s nest.

During courtship both sexes, but especially males, erect their neck feathers into a ruff. The males bow and jump up and down, whistling unmusical squeaky calls. Like their close relatives the Brown-headed Cowbirds, these birds follow livestock, especially cattle, snapping up insects flushed from the grass. They alight on the backs and necks of livestock to feed on ticks. Cowbirds also feed extensively on seeds and grain. During the colder months these birds form enormous flocks and move around the countryside with other species of blackbirds and grackles.

Bronzed Cowbird males are entirely black and a bronzy sheen can be seen in proper light. In the breeding season the red eye is prominent. Out of breeding season the eye is orange-brown, but not yellow like the Brewers Blackbird. The males neck ruff will give it a hunch-backed look. Bronzed Cowbird females are dull black, won't show much or any neck ruff and have a orange-brown eye.

Bronzed Cowbirds commonly feed and roost in large flocks and are frequent visitors to bird feeders. Their diets consists of insects from the ground, grain, and weed, grass and grain seeds.

The Bronzed Cowbird breeds in southern Arizona, New Mexico and south-central Texas. It withdraws southward from much of Arizona during the winter. The Bronzed Cowbird inhabits pastures, roadside thickets, ranches, parks and orchards.
Bronzed Cowbird Range Map

The Bronzed Cowbird's song consists of a soft, tinny, rising series of wheezy and guttural notes. with various squeaks and squeals. Its “whistle call” is a series of tinny, wheezy whistles and grating trills given by the male.