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Re: Song Sparrow - Cowbird parasitism question





Just a reminder that cowbirds (and this may not be one, anyway) are
protected by federal law.

Janine Perlman, licensed passerine rehabilitator
Hillsborough, NC


----- Original Message -----
From: <AHK4586@aol.com>
To: <carolinabirds@acpub.duke.edu>
Sent: Sunday, May 28, 2000 1:18 PM
Subject: Song Sparrow - Cowbird parasitism question


>
>     Outside my house we have two parent Song Sparrows feeding a child. The
> young bird is about the same size if not larger. It was definately not
full
> grown, as its tail was quite short, and its feathers were a dull mottled
> brown. When it jumped/flew, the wings looked a bit broader too. My
question
> is if Song Sparrows are commonly parasitized by Brown Headed Cowbirds,
and,
> if this sounds as if it could be one. The bill looked sparrow like, but
the
> edge of the bill was white, and went partially on to the cheek. there may
be
> a technical term for that, but i dont know. Thanks for the help. And if
you
> do think that it could be a cowbird chick, what would be the best actions
to
> do, if any.
>
> Alan Kneidel
> Charlotte NC