Shiny Cowbird

Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis)
The Shiny Cowbird was originally found only in South America where it is widespread in most habitats except forest and mountains.

Shiny cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Identification Tips:
Length: ? inches
Long, thin, pointed bill
Dark eyes
Frequents open habitats ...

Shiny Cowbird
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Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis. Rare in spring and occasional in summer and fall in Gulf Coast region. Found in early successional scrub.
Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus. Accidental.

On the other hand the five species of cowbirds are by comparison quite recent arrivals and Brown -headed Cowbirds and Shiny Cowbirds have existed as species for only a million years or so.

Southern caracara, rufous hornero, cattle tyrant, yellow-headed caracara, shiny cowbird
Strategies of the birds included using the capybara as a perch, walking with the capybara to catch flushed prey, foraging in capybara skin ...

Not Threatened or Endangered in any part of range. Spread of Shiny Cowbird may be having some effect on Black-whiskered Vireo populations.
Credits ...

Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis). 'Stumpy' the tailless Shiny at Pea Island NWR, Dare Co., NC 11/7/04.
Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii) - Chatham Co., NC
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) ...

Nest parasitism by Brown-headed and Shiny cowbirds due to forest fragmentation has also contributed to declines and is increasing. Loss and degradation of tropical forest habitat on wintering grounds have also been factors in declines.

Screaming Cowbird, Molothrus rufoaxillaris
Giant Cowbird, Molothrus [formerly Scaphidura] oryzivorus
Bronzed Cowbird, Molothrus aeneus
Shiny Cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis
Brown-headed Cowbird, Molothrus ater ...

See also: Cowbird, Blackbird, Warbler, Brown-headed Cowbird, Finch