19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Feeding the beast

In this classic scene of parasitism, as also occurs with the Cuculus canorus, we see how a female Thrush (Shiny Cowbird, the scientific name is Molothrus bonariensis) has contaminated the nest of a pair of Chingolos (Rufous-collared Sparrow, the scientific name is Zonotrichia capensis). New parents must make an enormous effort to be able to feed them.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: santa rosa, Argentina
Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Copyright: © Mario Gustavo Fiorucci