Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)

A member of the blackbird family but with parasitic habits - it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species. It is widespread across the USA and found in woodland, farmland and suburbs. The male has the brown head, the female is all brown, though pale beneath.


This male was noisily calling and displaying around the boatyard at Flamingo
, Everglades National Park, Florida.

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As part of its display, it puffs out its feathers whilst making both rattle and squeek sounds. Flamingo, Everglades National Park, Florida.

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