BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD (Molothrus ater) Go back to Blackbirds
Identification
The male is black with a brown head and the female is gray. Both sexes have sparrowlike bills. The brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), smallest of the blackbirds, often feeds in close association with livestock. The female cowbird lays her eggs in the nests of other birds.
Range and Habitat
Cowbirds occur in spring and summer throughout much of North America. Flocks feed in pastures and feedlots, and are often associated with livestock. Cowbirds winter in the central to southern United States, often roosting with redwings, grackles, and starlings.
Food Habits and General Biology
The diet of cowbirds consists predominantly of weed seeds and grains, and less than 25% insects. Cowbirds do not build nests or incubate eggs; the female lays her eggs in nests of other songbirds, the only North American songbird to do so. Females deposit 1 or sometimes 2 eggs per host nest, laying up to 25 or more eggs per nesting season.
Damage to Crops
This species can cause damage to ripening sorghum, sunflower, and millet. Cowbirds consume some livestock feed, but often glean waste grain and seed from dung. Overall damage is usually minor.
Learn More About:
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
COMMON GRACKLE
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD
BREWER'S BLACKBIRD
RUSTY BLACKBIRD
Economics of Damage and Control
Please read more about us and our bird removal services . You can also learn about Cowleys history and understand why to choose Cowleys for bird exclusion. You can read about what physical or visual bird deterrents are used and what to do if nuisance birds are taking over your business.
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