Brown-headed Cowbird
A native blackbird best observed rather than deliberately attracted because it lays eggs in the nests of other songbirds.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look on lawns, fields, forest edges, and mixed blackbird flocks; females often search wooded edges for host nests.
Food
Seeds, grain, and insects, usually taken on open ground with other blackbirds.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
Brown-headed Cowbird habitat
Uses open grassland, pasture, lawns, fields, and woodland edges, often aided by human-created openings.
Brown-headed Cowbird diet and food
Seeds, grain, and insects, usually taken on open ground with other blackbirds.
Do not scatter grain or create open ground feeding stations to attract cowbirds.
Brown-headed Cowbird nesting and breeding
A brood parasite that places eggs in nests of other species; protect native nest habitat by avoiding food concentrations near nesting cover.
Brown-headed Cowbird behavior and where to look
Feeds in flocks and females search for host nests; it does not build and raise its own nest in the usual way.
Photography
Observe flock behavior from a distance without approaching any suspected host nest.
What to avoid
Do not bait with grain or inspect native songbird nests; follow local wildlife guidance if nest concerns arise.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
