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Nature Documentaries

Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)

The Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) is a small, brood parasitic bird native to North America, known for its unique reproductive strategy of laying eggs in the nests of other bird species. This adaptable bird migrates to the southern United States and Mexico during winter, thriving on a diet of seeds and insects.

Boisé Des Douze - 2019-04-22
Location: Boisé Des Douze
Date: 2019-04-22
Camera: NIKON D500
Lens: 300mm f/4.0
Settings: f5.6 • 1/1250 • ISO 220
Focal Length: 420mm

Common Names

🇨🇦Brown-headed Cowbird
🇫🇷Vacher à tête brune
🇩🇪Braunkopf-Kuhstärling
🇲🇽Tordo cabecicafé

Taxonomy

OrderPasseriformes
FamilyIcteridae

Characteristics

Length16-22cm
Weight30-60g
Wingspan36cm
Clutch Size1-7 eggs
Incubation10-12 days
Fledging8-13 days
Sexual Maturity1 year

Explore More

📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.

Identification and Whereabouts

Female Brown-headed Cowbirds are entirely brown, featuring a rounded head, dark eyes, and a strong, conical bill. In contrast, males exhibit a striking black body with a distinct brown head.

I have observed this bird species on two occasions. The first sighting was of a male at Technoparc Montreal, and the second was in Boisé des Douze, Saint Hyacinthe. Despite its presence, the Brown-headed Cowbird is often overlooked due to its unremarkable appearance.

Location Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Parc Michel-Chartrand x - - -
Parc des Étangs Antoine-Charlebois - x - -

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.