ExploreBirds

Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

The Brown-headed Cowbird is a small bird with a brown head and a shiny black body. They are known for laying their eggs in other birds' nests, which is a unique way of raising their young!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Brown-headed Cowbird male is glossy black with a distinct brown head. Females are plain grayish-brown. Both have a short, conical beak adapted for seed-eating, and are smaller than a robin.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyIcteridaeGenusMolothrus
Brown-headed Cowbird
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Brown-headed Cowbird

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A single female cowbird can lay over 30 eggs in one breeding season!

Baby cowbirds often hatch earlier than host chicks, giving them a head start!

They often follow large animals, like cows, to catch insects stirred up by hooves!

They've been recorded laying eggs in over 220 different bird species' nests!

Special abilities

Ability

Master Nest Finder

Brown-headed Cowbird can quickly locate other bird's nests because they are excellent observers, helping them lay eggs stealthily.

Ability

Egg Disguise

Brown-headed Cowbird has eggs that often blend in with host eggs, helping them trick parents into incubating their young.

Ability

Rapid Development

Brown-headed Cowbird chicks can grow faster than host chicks, helping them outcompete for food and attention.

Measurements & details

Length
16-22 cm
Wingspan
30-36 cm
Weight
0.03-0.06 kg
Lifespan
2-8 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
1
Incubation
10-13 days
Migration Distance
2000 km

Diet & Feeding

These adaptable birds eat lots of seeds and juicy insects, finding food wherever they can!

Age differences: Young chicks are fed by host parents, primarily insects. Adults forage for a mixed diet.

Primary Foods

  • Grass seeds
  • Weed seeds
  • Grains
  • Beetles
  • Grasshoppers
  • Caterpillars

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch or catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Brown-headed Cowbird?

16-22 cm

What is Brown-headed Cowbird's wingspan?

30-36 cm

How much does Brown-headed Cowbird weigh?

0.03-0.06 kg

How long does Brown-headed Cowbird live?

2-8 years

How fast can Brown-headed Cowbird move?

40 km/h

What does Brown-headed Cowbird eat?

These adaptable birds eat lots of seeds and juicy insects, finding food wherever they can!

Where is Brown-headed Cowbird usually found?

Grasslands

How does Brown-headed Cowbird hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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