Curious Brown-headed cowbird checking us out as we march through the forest on a late summer hike. Called a brood parasite for leaving their eggs in the nests of other birds who raise the cowbirds young, but hey, some folks hire a nanny. Parasite, opportunist, adaptive or just being a cowbird?
nature has no boss 
People seem to hate cowbirds, and starlings, and House Sparrows, and pigeons. It seems they do so because they are ubiquitous which means they have adapted well and are prominent in their environments. Kinda like…humans?
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Exactly, these guys get labeled invasive species…just like humans.
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Never heard of this bird, we only get the Cuckoo here (in small numbers) and that has the same behaviour. I’m always thrilled when I hear (or see) one.
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HI, the cowbird would seem to be the equivalent Cuckoo in many ways with regards to behavior. In my neck of the woods we do not have Cuckoos and I would sure like to observe them someday. Hope you are having a great week.
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A rare treat when I see them, not one came near me this year….
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Well, I guess there is always next year.
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Oh LOVE this! I had a book about birds growing up and I remember seeing an illustration of this bird in that book and always found it a funny name for a bird. What I also remember is that they use other birds’ nests – kinda parasitic. !
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The cow bird does hang out with cattle and bison quite a bit so maybe that is where the name was derived.
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Great shot, but I still am not fond of these birds!
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Eliza, just a cowbird being a cowbird.
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🙂
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