Abstract

MERMOZ, Myriam E; DEPALMA, Daniela M.; CHARNELLI, Emilio M.  and  ZILLI, Cecilia. FIRST RECORD OF PARASITISM OF SCARLET-HEADED BLACKBIRD (AMBLYRAMPHUSHOLOSERICEUS) BY THE SPECIALIZED SCREAMING COWBIRD (MOLOTHRUS RUFOAXILLARIS). Hornero [online]. 2021, vol.36, n.1, pp.91-100. ISSN 0073-3407.

Screaming Cowbird (Molothrus rufoaxillaris) is highly specialized parasitizing only three species, ma- king records of new hosts very informative. During 2017 we studied nesting success on roadsides in Argentine Pampas. Fifty-seven nests (46%) belonged to the known host Brown-and-yellow Marshbirds (Pseudoleistes vires- cens). Four nests belonged to Scarlet-headed Blackbird (Amblyramphus holosericeus); one contained a Screaming Cowbird nestling that fledged with two of the host. We discuss similarities and differences among the Scarlet-headed Blackbird and old hosts. More studies are needed to confirm the regular parasitism of Scarlet-headed Blackbird by Screaming Cowbird, and to better understand their high specificity in host selection.

Keywords : Amblyramphus holosericeus; broodparasitism; cooperative breeding; Molothrus rufoaxillaris; Quiscalines..

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