BirdAnalyst
Species · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Shiny Cowbird

IcteridaeGeneralistsMolothrus bonariensis

Shiny Cowbird has no long-term trend on record.

n/aSince n/aTrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
8RoutesSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
12Years SurveyedYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

About the Shiny Cowbird

The Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) is a North American member of the Blackbirds & Orioles (Icteridae). In this analysis it is grouped with the generalists.

Size
6.5–17 in long (16–43 cm) — a small to medium songbird (typical for the family)
Habitat
A broad range of open and wooded habitats, often near people.
Diet
An opportunistic mix of insects, seeds, fruit and scraps.
Range
Recorded on 8 Breeding Bird Survey routes across 3 states.
Family
Icteridae · Generalists

Notable Shiny Cowbird TrendsNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for Shiny Cowbird. See the full index history below.

Where the Shiny Cowbird Is Detected

BBS routes recording Shiny Cowbird, sized by most recent count.

Shiny Cowbird Population Trend by State

Shiny Cowbird population trend by state.
TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →Baseline yearThe first year of the smoothed window the trend is measured from. An earlier baseline means a longer record stands behind the number.Full methodology →Survey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
Alabamainsufficient datan/a1
Floridainsufficient datan/a6
Louisianainsufficient datan/a1

Shiny Cowbird Conservation Status

Shiny Cowbird is tracked across BBS survey routes; no formal conservation-status flag is recorded here.

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22. Trend is a route-weighted relative-abundance index, not an absolute population.