The Shiny Cowbird is a medium-sized bird with glossy black plumage and a distinctive yellow eye. Known for its brood parasitism, it often lays its eggs in the nests of other birds.
Not certain it is a Shiny Cowbird? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Shiny Cowbird sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Shiny Cowbird? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Shiny Cowbird is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.