The Dance of the Bronzed Cowbird

While I am on the subject of cowbirds……the Bronzed Cowbird is a central American species that reaches its northern limits along the southern portion of the south western border states from California to Louisiana. A small year round population can now be found in southern Florida.

On my Florida spring tour we saw all three possible North American cowbird species, Brown-headed, Bronzed and Shiny, in one location – my good friend Larry Manfredi’s yard! It was here that we were fortunate enough to see the dramatic breeding courtship display that Bronzed Cowbirds perform as part of their mating ritual.

It begins with a terrestrial courtship display (above) known as a bow or head down display. As they follow a potential mate around, they lift up their nape and mantle feathers to form a ruff; the tail is bought stiffly forward and under the body; the head is tilted forward so that it touches the breast; their eyes come to the front as the nape is puffed out and the wings are slightly arched, flapping very fast as they hop around pursuing a female.

Once a female has shown an interest the male kicks it into high gear and performs an aerial courtship display (above) in front of her. This consists of a fluttering flight rising 2-3 feet off the ground. The vertical take off and hovering, for about 10 seconds, is reminiscent of a helicopter. It is an amazing sight to witness. If the female is responsive, mating will occur….if she ignores him or flies off, then he will have to find another female with whom to start the courting process all over again with.

Like other cowbirds, they are brood parasites, meaning that the female lays her eggs in the nest of another bird species.