Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

Cowbirds are "brood parasites." They lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, tossing one of the nest-owner's eggs out to make room for their own. Some species, upon finding a cowbird egg in their nest, throw out the unwanted egg or lay down a new nest over it. But most rear the young cowbird as one of their own. The young cowbird grows quickly, often pushing the nest-owner's young out of the nest or taking most of the food.

Look For : Male: black with a brown head and a cone-shaped bill. Female: gray.

Length : 6-8".

Habitat : Farms, open woods, suburbs.

Range : Widespread.