Brown-headed cowbird (female)

Description:

The Brown-headed cowbird (female) is a medium-size all gray bird with a finch-like bill. The male is darker with a brown head (seen in pic 5). Several had flocked together to enjoy the ride.

Habitat:

Spotted on the backs of cows on a ranch in eastern Washington.

Notes:

Fun facts: (1) These birds followed the bison herds across the prairies before European settlement. (2) The females will lay their eggs in other bird's nest. The young cowbirds are fed by host parents. More than 140 different species of birds are known to have raised young cowbirds.