Little is known about the ecology and phenology of P. shannoni. Existing data indicates that in eastern North America, this species most frequently infests open cup nests at least 3 m from the ground in forests dominated by deciduous trees, and American Robins (Turdus migratorius) are frequent hosts (Bennett and Whitworth 1992). Since Rusty Blackbirds typically nest within 3 m of the ground in forests dominated by spruce and fir, P. shannoni may be expanding into previously unoccupied habitat at the southeastern edge of the Rusty Blackbird’s breeding range.
Project Report: Bird Blow Flies and Rusty Blackbirds
Posted in 2015 - 2016