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Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

Description:

Small blackbird with glossy brown head, heavy bill, and dark eyes. The black body has a faint green sheen. Walks on ground to forage and holds tail cocked over back. Feeds on caterpillars, insects, spiders, fruits, grains and seeds. Swift direct flight with rapid wing beats.

Habitat:

Urban

Notes:

The name literally translates into "Black Parasite."

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4 Comments

Hema  Shah
Hema Shah 12 years ago

We have so many blue birds out here. So there have to be cow birds too.Never saw any though.

KarenL
KarenL 12 years ago

We have these guys hanging out around our bluebird boxes. Hopefully the entrance hole is too small for them.

Liam
Liam 12 years ago

It can be, but the voice and bill are different. Also, Starlings tend to show spangling or streaking on the breast and belly.

Hema  Shah
Hema Shah 12 years ago

isn't it easy to confuse this with starling?

Liam
Spotted by
Liam

Georgia, USA

Spotted on Mar 24, 2012
Submitted on Apr 8, 2012

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