Brown-Headed Cowbird
Molothrus ater
Aves › Passeriformes › Icteridae › Molothrus
Conservation status: least_concern
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a stocky blackbird with a distinctive chocolate-brown head and glossy black body, making it easy to spot among other birds. This species is notorious for being a brood parasite, laying its eggs in other birds' nests rather than building its own, which has made it controversial among bird enthusiasts and conservationists.
How To Identify
Measuring about 12 to 14 inches in length, they exhibit generally brownish plumage with distinctive black striping visible on the head of adult males.
Habitat
Brown-headed Cowbirds inhabit open woodlands, forest edges, grasslands, and suburban areas across North America, preferring habitats with scattered trees and clearings.
Behaviour
They engage in sophisticated eavesdropping, listening to the songs of other birds to locate their nests for egg-laying and monitoring host birds to ensure successful parasitism.
Native Range
The Brown-Headed Cowbird is native to temperate and subtropical North America.
Did You Know?
Brown-headed Cowbirds are obligate brood parasites, laying their eggs in other birds' nests and never raising their own young. A single female can lay 36+ eggs per season, leaving the hard work entirely to unsuspecting host parents.
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