Brown-headed Cowbird

Scientific Name: Molothrus ater

Population Estimate: 56M

Range / Habitat: Year-round in southern and eastern US in grasslands and other cleared habitats. Summer visitor to the western US and north into Canada. Winters into Mexico.

Field Notes: Stocky blackbirds, often seen in small flocks often foraging on the ground. Male is glossy black with brown head. Female dull brown. Juvenile light black with extensive breast streaking. Eye is black, as opposed to red eye of Bronzed Cowbird or yellow eye of Brewer's Blackbird.

Personal Notes: These birds lay eggs in other nests then leave the host birds to raise their young.