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Bird Identification

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Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater Length: 7.5"

Look For

This smallish blackbird has a short, stout bill and a short tail. The bill shape is a good field mark to separate this species from other blackbirds. The name cowbird comes from its habit of following and foraging around herds of cattle.

Listen for

The song is a weird mix of low gurgles and high, squeaky whistles. Also gives a long sputtery trill: pt-pt-pprrrrrrrtttt! Flight call is a high, thin whistle: tsee-tseeeet!

Remember

The European Starling is often seen in the same habitat as the cowbird but differs by having a long, thin bill and a very short tail.

Find it

The cowbird prefers open habitat in all seasons: grasslands, farm fields, woodland edges, parks, and backyards, where it will visit bird feeders for mixed seed scattered on the ground.

Wow!

Cowbirds are notorious for laying their eggs in the nests of other birds. The nestling cowbirds often outcompete smaller nestmates. This has caused a decline in many songbird populations.

This profile is an excerpt from The Young Birder's Guide by Bill Thompson, III. Purchase an autographed copy from our nature store, and check out other BWD titles designed to help you identify backyard birds.

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An Identification Guide to Common Backyard Birds

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Identifying and Feeding Birds

This readable, friendly guide is intended for bird watchers and non-bird watchers alike—for anyone who wants to enjoy nature right in his or her own backyard. The longtime editor of Bird Watcher's Digest and author of numerous books on birds, Bill Thompson, III, has been feeding and watching birds for 40 years. He has tried everything, and he shares what he's learned so that readers can avoid the mistakes and skip right to successful bird feeding. Only $14.95 in our store!

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Pajaro Original Waist Pack

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