Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

The Brown-headed Cowbird is a small, stocky blackbird with a distinctive brown head. Males have glossy black plumage, while females are brown with streaked underparts. This species is known for its brood parasitism behavior, laying eggs in the nests of other bird species. Brown-headed Cowbirds are often found in open habitats such as grasslands, agricultural fields, and forest edges. They forage on the ground, feeding on seeds and insects. Their range extends across North America, and they are known for their nomadic behavior, following herds of grazing animals to find food. The conservation status of the Brown-headed Cowbird is of Least Concern according to the IUCN.

Habitat: Open habitats such as grasslands, agricultural fields, and forest edges