Brown-headed Cowbird
Molothrus ater · New World Blackbirds, Troupials, and Allies
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a widespread North American blackbird known for its unique reproductive strategy of brood parasitism. Females lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, relying on the host parents to raise their young. This behavior, coupled with their adaptability to human-altered landscapes, has allowed them to expand their range significantly.
Explore the full field guideMigratory/ResidentSmall BlackbirdVaried CallsOmnivorous
2 calls·first heard Jul 1·last 93d ago
When it's heardpeak 6a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Glossy black body with a contrasting rich brown head; appears all black in poor light.
- Plain dusty brown overall, lighter on the head and underparts, with faint streaking on the belly.
- Streaked plumage, generally lighter gray than the adult female.
- Short, thick, and conical, distinguishing it from other blackbirds.