Screaming Cowbird
Molothrus rufoaxillaris
Medium-sized cowbird found at woodland edges, savannas, and agricultural areas. Both sexes are entirely black with a bluish iridescence, except for rufous feathers on the underwing, which are difficult to see. Similar to Shiny Cowbird, but has a thicker bill and is notably less "shiny" that that species.
Identification
The screaming cowbird has mildly iridescent black plumage; the lesser under-wing coverts are rufous. The female is slightly duller in colour than the male. The legs are black and the iris is reddish brown. Adult body length is 18–21 cm and mean adult weight is 58 g for males and 48 g for females. The call of the screaming cowbird was first described as "impetuous screaming notes"; however, a more useful description for field identification is noisy, explosive and piercing with rasp-like calls also produced. Screaming cowbirds are mostly seen in pairs or small flocks.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Molothrus rufoaxillaris
- Authority
- Cassin, 1866
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
- Genus
- Molothrus
Range and habitat
Within South America, the screaming cowbird is found in north east and central Argentina, south east Bolivia, central Brazil and throughout Paraguay and Uruguay. Its natural habitat is pastureland where it forages amongst grazing animals such as cows, hence the name "cowbird". Similar to other cowbirds, it forages predominantly on the ground, eating invertebrates that have been disturbed by grazing stock. The distribution of the screaming cowbird has increased significantly in recent decades due to habitat alteration caused by deforestation and by following its hosts into new areas. Both female and male screaming cowbirds show high fidelity in roosting locations.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Spot-bellied Bobwhite
Colinus leucopogon
Small quail of dry habitats in interior valleys and on the Pacific slope. Favors brushy fields, thorn scrub with grassy areas and open pine woods. Often seen along quiet roadsides early and late in the day. Usually in small groups, which flush explosively with a loud whirring of wings. Males in Guatemala and El Salvador have white face and throat. Males in Honduras and Nicaragua have bold whitish face stripes and dark throat. All females have buff eyebrow and throat. Frequently found by hearing its loud whistled bob-WHITE! call.
Crested Pigeon
Ocyphaps lophotes
A common gray pigeon that is easily identified by the long pointed crest on the top of its head. Mostly pale gray with bright iridescence on wings. Feeds only on the ground. Takes flight with noisy wing-claps, and in flight has a wing-whistle which makes it sound like a wind-up toy. Common in open habitats and is often present in suburban areas.
Wilkins's Finch
Nesospiza wilkinsi
A chunky olive-yellow finch with a hefty grosbeak-like bill. Male typically has a paler base to the bill and female is smaller, duller, and streakier. Uncommon, preferring wooded portions of Nightingale Island, to which it is endemic. Sings a repeated “whut-preeu,” deeper and slower than the song of Nightingale Island Finch; female answers with a whistle. The much smaller and commoner Nightingale Island Finch has a thinner, daintier bill than Wilkins’s and occurs throughout the island.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.