Bronzed Cowbird
Molothrus aeneus
Silhouette: Andy Wilson · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyIcteridae (New World Blackbirds and Orioles)
- GenusMolothrus (Cowbirds)
- SpeciesMolothrus aeneus (Bronzed Cowbird)
About the Bronzed Cowbird
The bronzed cowbird (Molothrus aeneus), also known as the red-eyed cowbird, is a small icterid native to North America. There are three subspecies: M. a. loyei Parkes & Blake, 1965 is found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
M. a. assimilis (Nelson, 1900) is found in southwestern Mexico. M. a. aeneus (Wagler, 1829), the nominate subspecies, is found in South Texas and from eastern Mexico to central Panama The bronze-brown cowbird, which is restricted to the Caribbean coast of Colombia, was formerly considered to be an isolated population of this species.
They breed from the U.S. states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana south through Central America to Panama. They tend to be found in farmland, brush, and feedlots. Outside the breeding season, they are found in very open habitats, and roost in thick woods. These birds forage in open areas, often near cattle in pastures. Their diet mostly consists of seeds and insects, along with snails during breeding season for a calcium source.
The male bronzed cowbird is 20 cm (7.9 in) long and weighs 68 g (2.4 oz), with green-bronze... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Bronzed Cowbird in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Giant Cowbird
Molothrus oryzivorus
Shiny Cowbird
Molothrus bonariensis
Montezuma Oropendola
Psarocolius montezuma
Great-tailed Grackle
Quiscalus mexicanus
Scarlet-rumped Cacique
Cacicus uropygialis
Chestnut-headed Oropendola
Psarocolius wagleri
Melodious Blackbird
Dives dives
Baltimore Oriole
Icterus galbula
Black-cowled Oriole
Icterus prosthemelas
Red-breasted Blackbird
Sturnella militaris
Bobolink
Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Orchard Oriole
Icterus spurius
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Bronzed Cowbird in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Bronzed Cowbird sighting in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, based on 29 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Bronzed Cowbird in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge?
August has the highest sighting rate for Bronzed Cowbird in Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge in our monthly data.