Brown-Headed Cowbird

The Brown-Headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) is a small, obligate brood parasitic icterid native to temperate and subtropical North America. It is a permanent resident in the southern parts of its range; northern birds migrate to the southern United States and Mexico in winter, returning to their summer habitat around March or April. These birds forage on the ground, often following grazing animals such as horses and cattle to catch insects stirred up by the larger animals. They mainly eat seeds and insects.

The brown-headed cowbird has a general icterid shape but is characterized by its smaller size and head and beak that resembles a finch. The adult male has a brown head and is iridescent black in hue. The mature female is significantly smaller, dull-gray with a throat that is pale, and her underparts have extremely fine striping. Their average wingspan is 36 cm, and their overall length ranges from 16 to 22 cm. Body weights can range from 30 to 60 g, with women weighing on average 38.8 g compared to men's average of 49 g.