The bronze-brown cowbird is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It was long thought to be an isolated population of bronzed cowbird. Because it is found only in a narrow coastal band in northwestern Colombia, it is considered near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Region
Northwestern Colombia, Caribbean coastal lowlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in open and semi-open lowland habitats including pastures, agricultural fields, coastal scrub, and edges of secondary forest. It also uses mangrove margins, riverine thickets, and disturbed areas near settlements. Frequently associates with cattle and other livestock, taking advantage of insects they flush. Roosts communally in shrubs or trees and moves locally to track food and nesting host availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bronze-brown cowbird is an obligate brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other small passerines rather than building its own. Males have a stout, bull-necked look and perform conspicuous display bouts with fluffing and gurgling calls. It is confined to a narrow coastal lowland band in northwestern Colombia, making it sensitive to habitat changes. Often seen near livestock, it benefits from grazed, open habitats.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flights
Social Behavior
Often forages in small flocks and gathers at communal roosts. As an obligate brood parasite, females monitor host nests and deposit eggs quickly, leaving hosts to raise the young. Males display with puffed neck feathers and gurgling notes in loose groups near feeding areas. Pairs do not maintain traditional nesting territories due to their parasitic strategy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include harsh, buzzy notes and liquid gurgles typical of cowbirds. Males produce mechanical-sounding, descending gurgles during display, interspersed with sharp chacks.
