cowbirds

Cowbirds are a group of medium-sized passerine birds in the genus Molothrus, within the family Icteridae, native to the Americas. They are obligate brood parasites: most species lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, and the cowbird is not involved in incubating or feeding the host's young. As a result, cowbirds typically do not construct nests or raise their own offspring, instead relying on host parents to raise their chicks.

Brown-headed cowbirds are widely distributed in North America; other species occur across the Americas, from temperate to tropical regions. Many cowbirds are nomadic or partially migratory, moving with food resources and habitat changes. They prefer open habitats such as grasslands, pastures, and edge habitats, and are often seen foraging on the ground or along livestock to catch insects dislodged by grazing.

Diet includes insects, seeds, fruit, and occasionally small vertebrates; their feeding largely follows animal disturbance and grazing, hence the common name cowbird.

Taxonomy: The genus Molothrus contains several species, with the brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) among the best known.

Impact and management: Brood parasitism can reduce reproduction of host species, particularly small passerines, and has been a focus of conservation in some regions. Management has included cowbird control or habitat management to support vulnerable host species. The overall conservation status of cowbirds remains generally of least concern, although some populations are affected by habitat loss and other pressures.