Brown-headed Cowbird movements across the Gulf of Mexico

Published in 1997

On 13 May 1997, Dorgan observed large numbers of neotropical migrants landing aboard the M. V. Lauren E., an oil rig service vessel located 131 nautical miles (243 km) south of Cameron, LA. A Cave Swallow (Hirundo tulva), Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus), Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus), seventeen species of warblers (parulidae) , Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea), a ~incoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnitl , four Yellow-headed Blackbirds (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus), and a Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) were some of the species noted as they rested and fed on fruit provided by Dorgan. Some species lingered for a considerable period of time but most flew off at dusk. Among the species observed were a mixed flock of fifteen male and female Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater).


Author: Chris Dorgan and Robert A. Duncan
Volume Number: 43 Year Published: 1997
Issue Number: 2
Page Number: 13

Link to article: http://birdlife.aosbirds.org/1997/Vol. 43 No 2 1997_p13-15.pdf
Link to the full issue of BirdLife: http://birdlife.aosbirds.org/1997/Vol. 43 No 2 1997.pdf