Molothrus ater Scorecard

Species:  Molothrus ater

Common Name:  Brown-headed cowbird

Scorecard created on
Last Updated on

Results

Impact Total:17 / 35Impact = ( Spread + Damage - Benefit )

Ability to Respond Total:11 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )

Confidence:Medium

Confidence Notes:

Impact

SpreadNotesScore
Spread RateAdapting from bison habitat to domestic livestock, have spread across entire U.S., and easily commutes long distances between foraging and breeding areas.5
Spread AmountRemarkably hearty, practicing brood parasitism wherever they go.5
DamageNotesScore
EcologicalOver 100 different species have been host to cowbird parasitism. Concerns about the birds' negative impact on songbird biodiversity, especially rare native species.5
AgriculturalContaminate livestock feed.1
Infrastructure0
Cultural0
HealthPotential to carry disease (i.e. WNV) unknown, but given widespread distribution and migratory nature, could be a problem.1
BenefitNotesScore
Ecological0
Agricultural0
Infrastructure0
Cultural0
Health0
Total17

Ability to Respond

Ease of ResponseNotesScore
DetectionEasily visble and counted, especially at feedlots.5
ControlTrapping and removal of eggs from birds nests are currently the most common methods.3
Tools in PlaceNotesScore
Entry1
Control1
Outreach1
Total11

References

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