Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

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