CLASS AVES

Bronzed Cowbird

Animals Kingdom (Animalia)

• Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

• Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

• Birds (Class Aves)

The Bronzed Cowbird forages for seeds and grains on the ground, usually in flocks. Dark brown to matte black; males with iridescent bluish wings. Thick neck and heavy bill. Found in a variety of open or semi-open areas, including pastures, forest edge, yards, and agricultural areas. Like all cowbirds, this bird is an obligate brood parasite; it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds. The young cowbird is fed by the host parents at the expense of their own young. Their diet is mainly seeds and insects, along with snails during breeding season as a source of calcium.