First records with evidence of parasitism of Molothrus bonariensis on Diuca diuca in Argentina: review and update

Abstract

Argentina has the highest number of hosts species recorded for brood parasitism by the Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) in South America. However, information on its host-parasite relationship with the Diuca Finch (Diuca diuca) in this country is scattered and outdated. In order to compile and update this knowledge, I reviewed published cases and incorporated original unpublished records of my own. This study indicates the geographic range of brood parasitism by the Shiny Cowbird on the Diuca Finch in Argentina, and presents the first photographic evidence for the country of a parasitized nest and successful breeding of parasitic individuals by the host species, 122 years after the first mention of this parasite-host relationship.