About the Brown-headed Cowbird
The brown-headed cowbird 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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The brown-headed cowbird is typical for an icterid in general shape, but is distinguished by its finch-like head and beak and smaller size. The adult male is iridescent black in color with a brown head. The adult female is slightly smaller and is dull grey with a pale throat and very fine streaking on the underparts. Their total length is 16–22 cm (6.3–8.7 in) and the average wingspan is 36 cm (14 in). Body mass can range from 30–60 g (1.1–2.1 oz), with females averaging 38.8 g (1.37 oz) against the males' average of 49 g (1.7 oz).
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Brown-headed Cowbird sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Belize, United Kingdom, Norway.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Shiny CowbirdMolothrus bonariensisThe physical appearance of the shiny cowbird adult depends on the subspecies.
Bronzed CowbirdMolothrus aeneusThe male bronzed cowbird is 20 cm (7.9 in) long and weighs 68 g (2.4 oz), with green-bronze, gloss-black plumage.
Giant CowbirdMolothrus oryzivorusThe male giant cowbird is 34 cm (13 in) long, weighs 174–242 g (6.1–8.5 oz) and is iridescent black, with a long tail, long bill, small head, and a neck ruff which is expanded in display.
Side by side: Brown-headed Cowbird vs Shiny Cowbird · Bronzed Cowbird vs Brown-headed Cowbird
Learn the Brown-headed Cowbird for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.