silhouette showing thick ruff of feathers on neck (Texas, USA; 2006-04-03)


Bronzed Cowbird
Molothrus aeneus

Native Range: North America and Middle America

Notes: mostly Middle American but its range does extend slightly into the southern USA; looks thick-necked because of a unique ruff of feathers at the base of its neck; brood-parasitic on other songbirds.

juvenile; mostly brownish and drab; conical bill (Panama; 2008-06-15)
ventral view of juvenile; streaked underparts (Panama; 2008-06-15)

juvenile begging for food from a foster parent (Panama; 2008-06-15)