BigRedBirder (talk | contribs) |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | ;Molothrus ater | + | ;[[:Category:Molothrus|Molothrus]] ater |
[[Image:Brown-headed_Cowbird.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by KC Foggin]] | [[Image:Brown-headed_Cowbird.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by KC Foggin]] | ||
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
| − | Breeds from British Columbia, central Saskatchewan, central Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland southward throughout United States except extreme Southeast and Florida. Winters in central and southern part of breeding range as well as in Florida. | + | Breeds from [[British Columbia]], central [[Saskatchewan]], central [[Ontario]], [[Quebec]], and [[Newfoundland]] southward throughout [[United States]] except extreme Southeast and [[Florida]]. Winters in central and southern part of breeding range as well as in [[Florida]] and to southern [[Mexico]]. Accidental vagrant to the [[UK]] and [[Norway]]. |
| + | ==Taxonomy== | ||
| + | Polytypic. Consists of four subspecies. | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
Agricultural land, fields, woodland edges, and suburban areas. | Agricultural land, fields, woodland edges, and suburban areas. | ||
| Line 29: | Line 31: | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Molothrus+ater}} | {{GSearch|Molothrus+ater}} | ||
| − | [[Category:Birds]] | + | [[Category:Birds]][[Category:Molothrus]] |
Revision as of 13:49, 3 August 2008
- Molothrus ater
Identification
6-8" (15-20 cm).
- Finch-like bill
Male
- Black
- Glossy brown head
Female
Plain gray brown
Distribution
Breeds from British Columbia, central Saskatchewan, central Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland southward throughout United States except extreme Southeast and Florida. Winters in central and southern part of breeding range as well as in Florida and to southern Mexico. Accidental vagrant to the UK and Norway.
Taxonomy
Polytypic. Consists of four subspecies.
Habitat
Agricultural land, fields, woodland edges, and suburban areas.
Behavior
Breeding
4 or 5 white eggs, lightly speckled with brown, laid one at a time in the nests of other songbirds.
Cowbirds are brood parasites and promiscuous; no pair bond exists. In late spring the female cowbird and several suitors move into the woods. The males sit upright on treetops, uttering sharp whistles, while the female searches for nests in which to lay her eggs. Upon choosing a nest, she removes one egg of the host's clutch, and deposits one of her own in its place.
Voice
Song
A liquid, bubbly gurgle followed by an upslurred, high-pitched whistle (given during display).
Call
check or a rattle.
Discussion
Unlike parasitic Old World cuckoos, which lay eggs closely resembling those of a host species, cowbirds lay eggs in the nests of more than 200 other species, most smaller than themselves. Some host species eject the unwanted egg, others lay down a new nest lining over it, but most rear the young cowbird as one of their own. The young cowbird grows quickly at the expense of the young of the host, pushing them out of the nest or taking most of the food.
