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Bronzed Cowbird
Molothrus aeneus |
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| The Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus) is a common breeding species across parts of south and west Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. It can also occur in southern California and has been recorded in most of the Gulf Coast states of the southeastern United States. The species winters in parts of deep south Texas, but primarily in Mexico and Central America. This species, like other cowbirds, is a nest parasite and the females lay their eggs in the nests of other species of birds. Many species in south Texas face increased pressure from Bronzed Cowbirds and some species are known to be declining in number because of this. The first five shots here were taken in Hidalgo Co., Texas in April and May, 2006. The images were shot with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens and a 1.4X extender. The bird on the right is an adult male in late afternoon light. I like this shot very much, even if I don't particularly like the species due to its destructive behavior to other native birds. |  |
| The bird here is an immature male. |  |
| The shot on the right shows a female Bronzed Cowbird. |  |
| The next two shots at right show adult males. |  |
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| The next two shots of a displaying male Bronzed Cowbird were taken in Starr Co., Texas, in May, 2010, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and an EF 800mm F/5.6 L IS lens. |  |
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| Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus male - courtship display Johnson City, Blanco Co., Texas 26 April 2013 |
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| Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus male - courtship display Johnson City, Blanco Co., Texas 26 April 2013 |
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| Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus male - courtship display Johnson City, Blanco Co., Texas 26 April 2013 |
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| Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus male Rancho Primavera, near El Tuito, Jalisco, Mexico 5 April 2014 |
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| Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus male High Island, Galveston Co., Texas 21 April 2016 |
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| Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus male High Island, Galveston Co., Texas 21 April 2016 |
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| Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus male High Island, Galveston Co., Texas 21 April 2016 |
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| Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus male Post Park, Marathon, Brewster Co., Texas 27 May 2018 |
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