It is South America's great brood parasite: the female lays her eggs in the nests of more than 250 different species, and the foster parents raise the intruder without noticing, even when it doubles them in size. An evolutionary scandal that has worked for millions of years.
Behaviour
It moves in flocks through grassland and towns. Females stake out other birds' nests with a detective's patience to choose where to lay.
How and when to see it
All year round, on any town edge, road or ranch. The violet gloss in the sun separates it from the other blackbirds.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where shiny cowbird has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where shiny cowbird lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiences with local storytelling and a cultural take on the marshes.★ 5.0 - Jurassic Plant - Night Tour
The only carnivorous-plant garden in Argentina and a pioneer in Latin America. A guided…★ 5.0 - Guyra Wild Guides - Birding
Birdwatching tour and photo safari with specialized ornithologist guides. Yamil and…★ 5.0 - SKYVY - Astrotourism
Astrotourism in Loreto, 17 km from the San Antonio portal. Night-sky observation with a…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameShiny Cowbird
- Scientific nameMolothrus bonariensis
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
Other species of the Iberá
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