[birdky] Beleaguered Cowbird

A commotion outside my kitchen window caught my eye one afternoon earlier this 
week.  At first I could only make out a female bh-cowbird fluttering to my deck 
and assuming a defensive crouch.  Then in hot pursuit out of the bushes and 
through the railing came a pair of cardinals.  The female cardinal led the 
attack and was especially relentless, showing no mercy as she repeatedly 
pounced and pecked beak-full's of feathers from the cowbird.  The male cardinal 
basically played a support role, only following his mate's lead and never 
coming into contact with the cowbird.  I've never seen a female cardinal so 
angry.  But was she ever mad.  I suspect she caught the cowbird trying to lay 
an egg in her nest or at least coming too close for comfort.  I've heard that 
year-round species are more successful in defending their nest against 
cowbirds.  This pair at least is giving it a good try.

 

A pair of cardinals nests somewhere in my back yard each year and usually close 
to the house but I haven't yet located their nest site this year.  The location 
of the above conflict didn't offer any clues as to its whereabouts. 

 

Jim Seelhorst

St. Matthews (Louisville)

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