The bronzed cowbird, also known as the red-eyed cowbird, is a small icterid native to North America.
Region
North and Central America
Typical Environment
Found from Central America and Mexico north into the southern United States, especially in Texas, Arizona, and the Gulf Coast. It favors open and semi-open country such as pastures, agricultural fields, scrubby edges, and suburban parks. The species often associates with livestock and feedlots where spilled grain is abundant. It roosts communally, frequently with other blackbirds and grackles. In tropical portions of its range it is largely resident, while northern birds may shift seasonally.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bronzed cowbird is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving the hosts to raise its chicks. Males have striking red eyes in the breeding season and a thick, bull-necked profile used in dramatic puffed-neck displays. Its range has expanded northward with agriculture and human-altered habitats. Despite its parasitic habits, the species is common and adaptable.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Texas
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms flocks with other icterids, especially around feeding and roosting sites. As an obligate brood parasite, it does not build its own nest and lays eggs in the nests of host species such as orioles and blackbirds. Courtship involves males puffing the neck and body while giving mechanical-sounding songs and postures.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The male’s song is a series of thin whistles, gurgles, and mechanical chattering notes, often delivered during a puffed-neck display. Calls include harsh chatter and buzzes, frequently given in flocks. Vocalizations can carry over open fields and feedlots.
Plumage
Male glossy black with a bronzy to greenish iridescence, especially on the body and wings; female duller, sooty-brown to gray-brown with minimal gloss. Feathers appear tight and sleek, with males showing an expandable ruff during display.
Diet
Eats seeds and grains, including spilled agricultural grain, as well as insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. During the breeding season it increases animal prey to meet protein demands. It also takes small fruits and forages on invertebrates disturbed by livestock.
Preferred Environment
Primarily feeds on the ground in open areas like pastures, crop fields, and roadsides. Common around cattle yards, feedlots, and grassy edges where food is abundant. Will visit bird feeders and human-altered spaces.
