Bird species profile
Screaming Cowbird
Molothrus rufoaxillaris
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
About the species
The Screaming Cowbird is a small, dark-plumaged bird native to the grasslands and open woodlands of central and southern South America, including Patagonia. It is best known for its parasitic breeding behavior, relying on other species, particularly the Baywing, to raise its young. Adults are mostly glossy black with a short bill and are often seen in small groups. Their vocalizations are loud and distinctive, giving rise to their common name. This species is highly specialized in its parasitism, often matching the timing of its egg-laying to that of its hosts. The Screaming Cowbird plays a unique role in the ecosystem, influencing the breeding success and behavior of its host species.
Habitat
Open grasslands, savannas, agricultural fields, and edges of woodlands across central and southern South America.
Foraging
Feeds mainly on insects and seeds, foraging on the ground or in low vegetation, often in small flocks.
