Giant Cowbird

The giant cowbird, a member of the Icteridae family, is a large passerine bird with a striking iridescent black plumage. Males are particularly notable for their long tails, long bills, and small heads adorned with a neck ruff, which they display prominently. Females are somewhat smaller and less iridescent, lacking the distinctive neck ruff of the males.

Identification Tips

To identify the male giant cowbird, look for a bird approximately 34 cm in length with a glossy black appearance and a pronounced neck ruff. The female is less lustrous and smaller, averaging 29 cm. Juvenile males resemble adults but are browner and possess a pale bill rather than a black one.

Habitat

This species is found in open woodlands and cultivated areas with large trees. Unique among cowbirds, it also inhabits deep forests.

Distribution

The giant cowbird's range extends from southern Mexico through Central and South America to northern Argentina. It is also present on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

Behaviour

The giant cowbird is a gregarious bird, often seen in groups. It is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of oropendolas and caciques without harming the host's offspring. It covers extensive territories to find sufficient egg-laying opportunities due to the colonial breeding and vigorous nest defense of its hosts.

Song & Calls

The male's vocalization is a screeched whistle, described as "shweeaa-tpic-tpic," while the call is a sharp "chek-chik." The giant cowbird is also an adept mimic.

Breeding

Giant cowbirds lay eggs of two types: either whitish and unspotted or pale blue or green with dark spots and blotches. Multiple eggs may be laid in a single host nest.

Diet and Feeding

The diet mainly consists of insects and some seeds, including rice. The giant cowbird forages on the ground or in trees and also searches for fruit, nectar, and arthropods along water bodies and in agricultural areas. It is known to perch on capybaras in Brazil to remove ticks and horseflies.

Conservation status

The giant cowbird is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not at immediate risk of population decline.