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| Length: 7.75 inches | Wingspan: 13 inches | Seasonality: Summer |
| ID Keys: Black body with brown head (male) | ||
The Brown-headed Cowbird
was originally a bird of the Great Plains, following herds of bison and feeding
on the insects that were stirred up. It has undoubtedly benefited greatly
from man's alteration of the landscape and introduction of grazing cattle in all
parts of the country. Cowbirds' claim to fame, however, is its
characteristic brood parasitism. As with all cowbirds, it lays its eggs in
the nests of other species, leaving the host species to raise its young.
Over 125 different species have been known to unwittingly raise the young of
Brown-headed Cowbirds. Many species, such as Kirtland's Warbler, are
endangered or threatened, partially because of cowbird parasitism. A male
is shown in the photo to the right.
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Brown-headed Cowbird"
3) eNature.com: Brown-headed Cowbird
| Click on the map below for a higher-resolution view |
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| South Dakota Status: Common summer breeding resident throughout the state |