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brownheaded cowbird

16 years ago

We just saw a pair of brownheaded cowbirds outside, Just wondering if they are any threat to my tree swallows? Never saw one before, but when we got a good look, looked it up and that's what it was.

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Comments (3)

kendra2003
16 years ago
I have heard of them entering a nestbox, but they are usually too big if the hole is 1 1/2 inches. I have never had them enter one of my boxes, even when they watch to see where the nest is.
gibby01
Original Author
16 years ago
They did look kind of big, I never saw one before, hubby spotted it and when I looked it up the other bird there was a afemale. I haven't seem them around any longer. My TRES should be due to hatch in the next couple of days. when we go to look in, she's in there and doesn't fly out, so I don't know what's going on, all must be well. She peeps out alot. Oout a scoop of worms out today, no one is taking so far.
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kendra2003
16 years ago
Even if they could get in, they would be no threat to your TRES since they are about to hatch. They rely on laying in a newly laid nest because their offspring will hatch sooner, and grow faster than the host bird's offspring. Thereby assuring their survival because they get to hog all the food.

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