Joey Posted August 14, 2010 Report Share Posted August 14, 2010 Okay,so we decided the gray bird was either a juvenile house finch or cowbird, but this just in, and I'm confused in a few ways. First, here is the bird again, this time at my feeder. Then this happens: So, first off, that gray one does not look like any juvenile cardinals that I can find online, and is that not a male cardinal? Doesn't mama cardinal feed the kids? Anyhow, now I'm even more confused as to what type of bird it is. Joey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cram Posted August 15, 2010 Report Share Posted August 15, 2010 You may have your answer that its a cowbird. Cowbirds often lay their eggs in other birds' nests....the other birds raise their young for them. Their either brilliant, or deadbeats....not sure :-). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Posted August 15, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2010 Yes, I did know that Cram, its called parasitic. I just didn't think they raised them to this point. I figured they'd leave as soon as they could fly and then go back to their own kind. But I guess that is our answer. Cool!!! Joey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexcba Posted August 15, 2010 Report Share Posted August 15, 2010 brilliant or dead beat.. thats awesome! great pics joey! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roy Posted August 15, 2010 Report Share Posted August 15, 2010 They really are excellent pics Joey. Cram has it right but I knew that you knew that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Posted August 15, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2010 (edited) Thanks Alexcba and Roy. Love my new camera Okay, upon further reading, I have found the male does feed the young as the female has several broods per year and stays on the eggs while daddy feeds her and the young. Edited August 15, 2010 by Joey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roy Posted August 15, 2010 Report Share Posted August 15, 2010 Good ol' Dad.....lots of overtime so the kids and Ma can eat..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musky or Specks Posted August 15, 2010 Report Share Posted August 15, 2010 Male Cardinal -" Wha da ya mean thats not my kid. Time for Maury Povich" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singingdog Posted August 15, 2010 Report Share Posted August 15, 2010 That's an immature cowbird, being fed by the cardinal. The adult birds that get parasitised will feed the cowbird young until they are fledged, just like their own young. What's really strange is seeing a small warbler feeding a cowbird that is 1.5x it's size. Interesting study a few years ago on cowbirds. It seems that the females will revisit nests that they have parasitised. If the host bird had recognized the cowbird egg and gotten rid of it, the cowbird would proceed to destroy the nest. If the egg remained, they would leave the nest, along with any host eggs still intact, intact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TroutnMuskieHunter Posted August 15, 2010 Report Share Posted August 15, 2010 Awesome pictures Joey!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehg Posted August 15, 2010 Report Share Posted August 15, 2010 Those are amazing photos! These photos make identification easier showing the size and more clearly showing the thin upper beak etc... . That bird is almost size of cardinal not a small finch Cardinals are my favorite birds around here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spiel Posted August 15, 2010 Report Share Posted August 15, 2010 Yep, like others have said great shots. Seems like you're getting the hang of that new camera. I'm gonna agree with what some of the others have said in regards to it being a Cowbird, why else would the Cardinal feed it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SudburyAngler Posted August 15, 2010 Report Share Posted August 15, 2010 amazing pictures Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moondog Posted August 17, 2010 Report Share Posted August 17, 2010 Joey ----- that IS a female cowbird !!! and yes they raise them that long !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now