Brown-headed Cowbirds
Mostly this week I have been enjoying the sights and sounds of impending spring. I have noticed large flocks of blackbirds arriving. Most springs we have a large flock of Brown-headed cowbirds that take over our trees for a few days. These birds can be very noisy when they are in a large flock. Deafening really. When they occupy our trees we can hear the noise loudly inside the house. Although I know all birds have a place, I am happy that these birds move on. They are brood parasites because they lay their eggs in the nests of other birds. They have abandoned all other brood rearing duties. Usually they lay in a nest with eggs that are smaller. When the eggs hatch, the larger cowbird baby will out compete its smaller nest mates. So if you think you see a mutant blackbird with a brown head, you are seeing a Brown-headed cowbird. It is an interesting bird to research.
