The shiny cowbird Molothrus bonariensis in the West Indian region--Biogeographical and ecological implications

Abstract

The shiny cowbird (Molthrus bonariensis), an avian brood parasite, is endemic to South America, Trinidad, and Tobago, but during the last 100 years the species has spread through the West Indies. Successful colonization by the shiny cowbird depends on the availablitiy of suitable habitats and host species. As forest fragmentation increases in the West Indies, new hosts, particularly forest species, will be parasitied. Forest fragmentation creates small patches of forests surrounded by open habitat and increases the portion of forest habitat available to cowbirds.