male; large body; glossy black plumage; sharp bill (Panama; 2008-06-14)


Giant Cowbird
Molothrus oryzivorus

Native Range: Latin America

Notes: this large cowbird species is a brood parasite on caciques and oropendolas; several cowbird eggs may be laid in the nest of a host, which is then left (duped) to rear the foster chicks.

male; black iris; sharp sub-conical bill (Panama; 2008-06-14)
female; mousy brown plumage all over (Panama; 2008-06-14)

often forages in flocks on open grassy areas (Panama; 2008-06-14)