Brown-Headed Cowbird
Molothrus ater
Habitat
Ground
Diet
PlantSeed
Active Time
Diurnal
Size
40 g
About This Species
Found in open woodland edges, fields and suburban feeders, often walking on the ground with a distinctive high-stepping gait among mixed flocks of blackbirds and starlings. The male's glossy black body and contrasting brown head are easiest to pick out in spring sunlight, and its bubbling, squeaky-hinge call is a useful identifier. It is a brood parasite, so watching host species' nests in late spring can also reveal its breeding behaviour.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- This is a common, adaptable species that tolerates people well in feeder and park settings, but it still benefits from being watched rather than approached closely, particularly around nesting host species.
- General migratory bird protections apply across much of its range, prohibiting disturbance of nests and eggs.
- Keeping feeders and viewing at a normal garden distance is sufficient.
LCAvesPasseriformesIcteridae
Seasonal Activity
8,005,731 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
Traits
- Diet
- PlantSeed
- Foraging
- Ground
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Body mass
- 40 g
Photo
(c) cello caruso-turiello, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by cello caruso-turiello
CC-BY-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.