Cowbirds, conservation, and coevolution: potential misconceptions and directions for future research

Avian brood parasitism is a model system for studies of coevolution and ecological interactions between parasites and their hosts. However, recent work may have led to misconceptions concerning the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), the most widely studied brood parasitic bird in the world, and its effects on host species. Potential misconceptions about this species that could affect management issues are as follows: cowbird populations are increasing; cowbirds are relatively new to North America; recently exposed hosts are defenseless against parasitism; cowbirds have caused widespread declines of songbirds; and cowbird control is always effective in increasing the size of endangered host populations. Potential coevolutionary misconceptions are that cowbirds are typically “host tolerant”; cowbirds evict host nestmates; and the mafia effect is widespread. It is important to clarify these issues because such misconceptions could hinder our understanding of parasite-host interactions, and thus obscure the direction of basic research and of management efforts taken to limit cowbird impacts on endangered species. We discuss these issues and suggest future research directions to enhance our understanding of this fascinating species.