Preferred Seed:
Sunflower seed, Millet, Cracked corn
Description:
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a small blackbird often seen in open fields, pastures, and backyard feeders. These birds frequently travel in flocks and are known for their unusual nesting behavior.
Feeder Type:
Platform, Hopper, Ground
Nesting:
Brown-headed Cowbirds do not build their own nests. Instead, females lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, leaving the host birds to raise the cowbird chick.
Identification:
Males are glossy black with a rich brown head and thick conical bill. Females are plain brown with subtle streaking and a slightly lighter throat. Both have a stocky body and short tail typical of blackbirds.
Song Description:
A series of bubbly gurgling notes often followed by a sharp whistle. The sound is distinctive and somewhat liquid or metallic.
How to Attract:
• Offer mixed seed blends containing sunflower or millet
• Use platform feeders or allow seed to fall beneath feeders
• Maintain open feeding areas where flocks can gather
Fun Fact:
Brown-headed Cowbirds are brood parasites, meaning they lay their eggs in the nests of other birds. A single female may lay eggs in dozens of different nests during one breeding season.
Residency:
Year round resident across much of the United States and northern Mexico. Many populations migrate north into Canada during the breeding season.
Region:
United States, Southern Canada, Northern Mexico
Range Map:
Range Map 2025/2026 © Chirp Nook
Best Bird Food For
Brown-headed Cowbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
