Brown-headed Cowbird
Molothrus ater
They are obligate brood parasites, laying eggs in the nests of over 220 other bird species, often outcompeting the host's own chicks.
- Scientific name
- Molothrus ater
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Passeriformes › Icteridae › Molothrus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Open grasslands, forest edges, pastures, and suburban lawns.
- Diet
- Seeds, grains, and various insects such as grasshoppers and beetles.
- Range
- North America, Southern Canada, United States, Mexico
- Size
- 19-22 cm length; wingspan of 32-38 cm
- Lifespan
- Up to 9-12 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Pesticide reduction of food sources and loss of grassland habitat.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless to humans. These birds are common in backyard feeders and pastures. Observe from a distance to enjoy their complex songs; no special precautions are needed.
The brown-headed cowbird ( Molothrus ater ) is a small obligate brood parasitic icterid of temperate to subtropical North America. They are permanent residents in the southern parts of their range; northern birds migrate to the southern United States and Mexico in winter, returning to their summer habitat around March or April.
Photo: cello caruso-turiello, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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