Cowbird Scientific Name
Cowbirds are birds belonging to the genus Molothrus in the family Icteridae. They are of New World origin, but some species not native to North America are invasive there, and are obligate brood. Basic Description The Brown-headed Cowbird is a stocky blackbird with a fascinating approach to raising its young. Females forgo building nests and instead put all their energy into producing eggs,. Apr 6, 2025 · The cowbird is native to North America, and many birders consider it a nuisance. Learn about the destructive bird and how to keep it out of your yard. Centuries ago, the Brown-headed Cowbird probably followed bison herds on the Great Plains, feeding on insects flushed from the grass by the grazers. Today it follows cattle, and occurs abundantly from. Feb 22, 2024 · Learn why the brown-headed cowbird is many birders' least favorite—and how to tell cowbird eggs apart from those of other species.
The cowbirds are parasitic birds who lay their eggs in the nest of other types of birds and abandon them, leaving the eggs to be hatched and raised by the unaware parent birds of the nest. Cowbird, any of five species of birds that belong to the family Icteridae (order Passeriformes) that are named for their habit of associating with cattle in order to prey upon insects stirred up from vegetation. Brown-headed Cowbirds are native to the United States and prefer open grasslands, as well as agricultural, urban, and suburban habitats where grain or cattle-disturbed soil are readily available.. The Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater or BHCO, 3 subspecies) and Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus – found in TX, NW and AZ) breed in the United States. The Shiny Cowbird (M. bonariensis).
Brown-headed Cowbird — Sacramento Audubon Society
