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
Charles R. Brown and Mary Bomberger BrownSadly, the vireo is vulnerable to a nest parasite, the brown-headed cowbird, that flourishes near livestock and in urban fringe areas.—Karen D. Fishler
Karen D. FishlerExamples 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
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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
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“Brown-headed cowbird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brown-headed%20cowbird. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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