GIANT COWBIRD Molothrus oryzivorus
The giant of the cowbird group, this brood parasite specialises on Caciques and other hangnest builders. Giant Cowbirds are a strange shape, with a long tail and small head, accentuated by the presence of a wide neck frill that makes them look hunchbacked. However, see them in flight and there is no doubt who their close relatives are, they share the same bounding, few quick flaps and a closed-wing glide pattern of other cowbirds.
Click on the images to enlarge them.
FIGURE 1 - (FPAVE2742PH) Adult with Scaled Dove and Ruddy Ground-dove, Bonito, Departamento Alto Paraguay (Alejandro González October 2004 - Paraguayanbirds.com).
FIGURE 2 - (FPAVE2743PH) Adult female, Estancia Tres Hermanas, Rio Apa, Departamento Concepción (Hugo del Castillo August 2011).
FIGURE 3 - (FPAVE2744PH) Adult, Estancia Laguna Blanca, Departamento San Pedro (Paul Smith September 2006).
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FIGURE 1
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FIGURE 2
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FIGURE 3
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Designed by Paul Smith 2006. This website is copyrighted by law.
Material contained herewith may not be used without the prior written permission of FAUNA Paraguay.
Photographs on this page were taken by Paul Smith, Hugo del Castillo and Alejandro González are used with their permission.
