Widespread and common in open areas and near livestock. Cowbirds lay eggs in the nests of other species such as sparrows. The female ranges in color from almost black to grey and light brown across its large range. A large Shiny Cowbird baby begging a its surrogate parent, a tiny and probably exhausted [Rufous-collared Sparrow], for food. Many species of Cuckoos lay eggs in the nests of other species. | ||||||||||||
Giant Cowbirds are large blackbirds that lay eggs in oropendola nests and grow up with oropendola parents. A widespread but often difficult to find species. Note distinctive shape. | ||||||
Similar to the Shiny Cowbird but less iridescent. | ||||||
