Fifty Birds of Town and City
Cowbird (Molothrus ater)
Cowbirds are the only native American birds to always lay their eggs in nests of
other species, and have the young raised by foster parents. Warblers, finches, and
sparrows, all smaller than cowbirds, are the chief victims of this practice, the fast
growing foster chick monopolizing food and space to the detriment of the legitimate
offspring.
This is the smallest blackbird, flocking in small groups, or mixing with grackles
and red-wings. Cowbirds are usually quiet, their only song a faint whistle. They
range north into Canada and winter in the southeastern States. Grasshoppers,
beetles, and a number of insects are eaten, and like other blackbirds, Cowbirds do some damage
to grain.
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