Bronzed Cowbird

Overview

Bronzed Cowbird: Small blackbird (aeneus), brown-black overall with blue sheen on wings and tail. Eyes are red and bill is dark and heavy. Feeds on insects, seeds and grains. Often follows cattle to eat insects that are kicked up. Swift direct and swooping flight with rapid wing beats.

Range and Habitat

Bronzed Cowbird: Breeds in Arizona, California, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Bronzed Cowbird performs spectacular three-part courtship displays incorporating both of their major categories of song. Courtship begins with a hover or aerial bow display, followed by a terrestrial singing display, and then by a circling flight display.
The maximum number of Bronzed Cowbird eggs found in one nest was 14.
A group of cowbirds are collectively known as a "corral" and a "herd" of cowbirds.

The Bronzed Cowbird has a large range, estimated globally at 2,400,000 square kilometers. It is native to Central America as well as Colombia, Mexico, and the United States. This bird prefers subtropical or tropical forest land and also resides in arable land, pastureland, and rural gardens. The estimated population is 5,400,000 individuals globally, and the population does not meet decline criteria that would require inclusion on the IUCN Red List. Because of the population status of the Bronzed Cowbird, it has an evaluation level of Least Concern.