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.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Widespread across temperate and subtropical North America, from southern Canada through most of the United States and into northern Mexico. Prefers open or semi-open habitats such as grasslands, prairies, pastures, agricultural fields, forest edges, and suburban edges. Avoids dense, unbroken forests but readily uses fragmented woods and riparian corridors. Often associates with grazing livestock and frequents feedlots and mowed areas. Wintering concentrations occur in the southern United States and Mexico, with large communal roosts forming in suitable open areas.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
An obligate brood parasite, the brown-headed cowbird lays its eggs in the nests of other species, leaving hosts to raise its young. Historically it followed bison herds on the Great Plains, feeding on insects they disturbed; today it often forages around livestock and in agricultural areas. Habitat fragmentation has aided its expansion, sometimes putting added pressure on vulnerable host birds.
Brown-headed cowbird male (right) courting female
Juvenile in California
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms large flocks, sometimes mixed with other blackbirds, grackles, and starlings. Does not build its own nest; females lay eggs in nests of over 200 host species, and may remove host eggs. Males display by puffing plumage, spreading wings, and producing a liquid gurgling song. Roosting is communal, especially outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The male’s song is a thin, squeaky gurgle followed by a liquid rattle, often delivered from a prominent perch. Calls include sharp tseet notes and soft chattering in flocks. Vocalizations can carry well over open habitats.
Plumage
Males have a glossy black body with a rich brown head and neck, giving a sharply two-toned appearance; females are plain brownish-gray with fine streaking and a paler throat and belly. Both sexes show a short tail and a thick, conical bill. Juveniles resemble females but are more heavily streaked.
Diet
Consumes a mix of seeds and grains (including grasses and agricultural crops) and a wide array of insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. In summer it leans more toward insects, especially those flushed by livestock or mowing. In fall and winter it takes more seeds and waste grain. Will also visit feeders for cracked corn and millet.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly on the ground in open fields, pastures, feedlots, lawns, and along road edges. Frequently follows grazing animals or farm equipment that stirs up insects. Uses nearby shrubs, fences, and low trees as lookout perches between foraging bouts.
