When I first spotted a small flock of dark-colored birds this past Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I thought that they were blackbirds of maybe grackles. When the light illuminated them better, however, I could see that they were two-toned—their heads were brown and their bodies were black. I wasn’t sure what they were, but their distinctive color pattern made it easy to find them in my bird identification guide as Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater).
I found the name “cowbird” to be a bit strange and wondered if perhaps they mooed like cows. After all, catbirds are reported to make sounds like those of a cat. As far as I can determine, though, they were called “cowbirds” simply because this species was often seen near cattle.
As I was poking about on the internet trying to learn more about this species, I was shocked to learn that cowbirds do not make their own nests. Where then do they lay their eggs? The Cornell Lab of Ornithology website explained this phenomenon as follows:
“The Brown-headed Cowbird is North America’s most common “brood parasite.” A female cowbird makes no nest of her own, but instead lays her eggs in the nests of other bird species, who then raise the young cowbirds. Brown-headed Cowbird lay eggs in the nests of more than 220 species of birds.”
I have not yet seen it, but apparently it is not unusual to see parents of one species busily trying to feed a baby cowbird that hatched in its nest.
The first two shots below show adult male cowbirds and the third image looks to be a juvenile cowbird or possibly a female
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
When I was reading the condensed post about the Cowbird laying their eggs in other bird’s nests Benjamin said : “That is tricky, they should build their own nest.” I told him that they don’t want to work hard to build a nest and he said : “Cowbirds are naughty birds, they don’t take care of their babies.” He did like the enlarged photos and noticed the “crossed toes” and the blue coloration at the top of the wing with a spot of white in the first photo. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
I agree with Benjamin–they should build their own nests and raise their own young. I like that he has a good sense of responsibility, of what is right and wrong.
Thanks for another highly informative post. Great portraits again.,
Thanks, Laura. Although my primary goal is more artistic than educational, I really enjoy sharing some of the interesting information that I run across when trying to identify my subjects.
Your beautiful photos always lead me to hope that I might encounter the subjects some day plus I just like to see and learn new things so I appreciate your images and words.