The common brown-headed cowbird is the most widespread brood parasite in North America. Poly­typic. Length 7.5". A smallish, compact and stocky blackbird with a short and thick-based bill ...

Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) are brood parasites that lay their eggs in the nests of host species. Cowbird chicks typically grow up in mixed broods consisting of one or more cowbird chicks ...

The brown-headed cowbird is a species common throughout the United States and doesn’t build its own nest. It uses other birds’ nests to raise their baby birds. The brown-headed cowbird got its ...

For example, Molothrus badius doesn't make nests and M. ater - the brown-headed cowbird studied here - does not even pair up, defend territory, and take care of its young. The Brown-headed cowbird is ...

Brood parasite, lays eggs in other birds’ nests. A female cowbird may lay as many as 40 eggs during the nesting season. Eggs are white with brown spots and are usually larger than host eggs. Female ...