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A photo of a Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), male
Brown-headed Cowbird, Male

Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

The brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) 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. 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.
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Brown-headed Cowbirds on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Moon Dragon
Moon Dragon
Sunday 24 Sep 2023 - 3:52pm
United States
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Isabella S
Isabella S
Sunday 24 Sep 2023 - 1:59pm
United States
A map showing the sighting location
🦆
Dan Michelson
Saturday 23 Sep 2023 - 5:54pm
United States
A photo of a Brown-headed Cowbird photographed in  United States
Profile picture for Justine's Canary Colony
Justine's Canary Colony
Friday 22 Sep 2023 - 5:18pm
United States
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