brown-headed cowbird

noun

brown-head·​ed cowbird ˈbrau̇n-ˌhe-dəd- 

: a cowbird (Molothrus ater) widespread in the U.S. and southern Canada in which the male is black with a brown head and the female is gray

The most famous brood parasites, the European cuckoo and the brown-headed cowbird, lay their eggs in nests of other species.

—Charles R. Brown and Mary Bomberger Brown

Sadly, the vireo is vulnerable to a nest parasite, the brown-headed cowbird, that flourishes near livestock and in urban fringe areas.

—Karen D. Fishler

Examples of brown-headed cowbird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the bird also has to contend with the brown-headed cowbird, which is known to lay its eggs in other bird’s nests, including the least bell’s vireo’s. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024

Unfortunately, the begging bird was the progeny of a brood parasite, a brown-headed cowbird. —Taylor Piephoff, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

The tufted titmouse, for example, which makes some 63 vocalizations and learns them throughout its life, performed problem-solving tasks more quickly than the brown-headed cowbird, which learns about nine vocalizations during one specific period, writes Science News’ Darren Incorvaia. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Sep. 2023

The scientists assessed a number of papers stretching back as far as 2004 to draw their conclusion, researching the behavior of species including the Acadian flycatcher, brown-headed cowbird, indigo bunting and worm-eating warbler. —Sara Spary, CNN, 16 Nov. 2020

Another requirement will be continued vigilance against brown-headed cowbirds, which invade warblers’ nests and displace their babies. —John Flesher, Detroit Free Press, 11 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above