Recognition

A medium-sized bird similar to a red-winged blackbird but smaller than an American Robin. The sharp, seed-eating bill is dark grey.

The heads of the male are brown and the body is darker. Depending on light you may see a bit of a shimmer to the body. Females are grey brown in colour.

Where seen

In gardens with flocks of grackles, particularly around feeders. They are generally only seen when the weather is very cold up north, even though they are classified as an all-year round resident in Florida.

Jimmy’s notes

Study a flock of common grackles. If any of them appear to be smaller, they maybe brown-headed cowbirds.

Like cuckoos they lay their eggs in other birds’ nests. If you find a nest and in particular a warbler's nest, look out for an over-sized chick. They can lay up to 35 eggs in a season and their eggs have been found in over 200 species of host.

They get their name from following a herd of cows which stir up insects as they move.