Brown-headed Cowbird

A small, compact passerine feather belonging to the Brown-headed Cowbird. The bird is famous for its obligate brood parasitic breeding strategy, laying its eggs in the nests of other species.

Rich, glossy dark brown with paler brown edges, uniform melanistic coloration typical of a female or non-breeding plumage.

Pennaceous upper vane with tightly interlocked barbs and barbules, transitioning to a slightly more plumulaceous base.

Slender, light-colored central rachis with flexible, densely packed barbs extending symmetrically outward.

Smooth, slightly glossy appearance with a firm yet flexible vane structure.

Breast or upper back contour feather, determined by its relative size, shape, and uniform coloration.

Rich brown coloration, slender pale rachis, and standard passerine contour feather shape.

Open country, farmlands, edges of forests, brushy areas, and suburban neighborhoods.

Widespread across North America, breeding from southern Canada through the United States to Mexico, wintering largely in the southern US and Mexico.

Acts as an obligate brood parasite, which can significantly reduce reproductive success in vulnerable or endangered host bird populations.

Other blackbirds and cowbirds in the family Icteridae, such as Red-winged Blackbirds or Brewer's Blackbirds.

Brown-headed cowbirds do not build their own nests; instead, females monitor other birds' nests to lay a single egg while removing a host egg.

No specific cultural uses; regulated under standard wildlife laws protecting native songbirds.

Look near fields, pastures, and bird feeders where flocks of cowbirds congregate with other blackbirds.

Good condition, largely intact with minor wear at the edges.