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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.

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.

"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.

All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz

Last updated: 2025-04-02