Brown-headed Cowbird

19 cm (7-8") Common and increasing throughout North America. Farms, fields, roadsides, wood edges, river groves, suburbs.

Male: completely brown head on an all black body.

Female: gray-brown above, paler below.

Short sparrow-like bill.

Feeds on ground with tail uplifted. This species lays its eggs in nests of other species, allowing the unsuspecting recipients to raise its young.

Song: squeaky gurgle; harsh rattle and squeaky whistle calls.

Videos

Images

Credit: Rick Bond

Distribution Maps

Brown-headed Cowbird distribution map

Brown-headed Cowbird winter distribution map