Overview

Brown-headed Cowbird: Small blackbird with glossy brown head, heavy bill, and dark eyes. The black body has a faint green sheen. Walks on ground to forage and holds tail cocked over back. Feeds on caterpillars, insects, spiders, fruits, grains and seeds. Swift direct flight with rapid wing beats.

Range and Habitat

Brown-headed Cowbird: Breeds throughout much of southern Canada and the U.S. Spends winters in central and southern parts of breeding range as well as in Florida. Habitat consists of agricultural lands, fields, woodland edges, and suburban areas.

Breeding and Nesting

Brown-headed Cowbird: Nest parasite; usually one brown flecked light blue egg is laid in the nest of another species of bird. As many as thirty-six eggs are laid per nesting season. Incubation ranges from 10 to 13 days and is carried out by the host. Altricial young usually hatch first and outcompete hosts’ young.

Foraging and Feeding

Brown-headed Cowbird: Eats mostly seeds and arthropods. Forages on the ground, but sometimes hawks slow-flying insects.

Readily Eats

Safflower, Apple Slices, Suet, Millet, Peanut Kernels, Fruit

Vocalization

Brown-headed Cowbird: Emits a gurgling, liquid "glug-glug-glee." Female's call is a harsh rattle. In flight, male makes a high-pitched, slurred "ts-eeeu."

Similar Species

Brown-headed Cowbird: Bronzed Cowbird is slightly larger and has larger bill and red eyes. Male Shiny Cowbird is glossy black overall and has a purple sheen on head, back, and breast. Female has gray-brown upperparts.