Cowbirds, Birds, Wildlife, and Bird Photography

The Underappreciated Brown-headed Cowbird

Some birds get a bad rap, whether or not it is deserved

Brown-headed Cowbird male ruffling his feathers in response to an apparent scolding form his mate. © 2022 Randy Runtsch.

The Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) is a blackbird who leaves the duties of childrearing to birds of other species. For some people, cowbirds have earned a bad reputation. But before we get…