| Brown-headed Cowbird | ||
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Classification(s) : | Prey |
| Cat Name : | Blackbird | |
| Common Name : | Brown-headed Cowbird | |
| Scientific Name : | Molothrus ater | |
| Other Name(s) : | ||
| Physical Description : | Cowbirds are relatively small for blackbirds. They have a short tail and a thick head. The bill is shorter and thicker than most blackbirds. Males have satiny coal black feathers from the base of the neck to the tail-tip, and its head, upper neck, and chest are a chocolate brown that appears black from a distance. Females, however, are a solid chocolate brown, with lighter shades on the head and stomach, which also has fine streaking. Also the female has a dark eye. |
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| Physical Statistics : | Length – 6.3–8.7 in (16–22 cm) |
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| Behavior : | Cowbirds forage on the ground for seeds and grains with a wide variety of other birds, such as other blackbirds, grackles, and starlings. Males also spend their time putting on a show for females. When not feeding, they are in low branches. |
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| Social Organization : | Cowbirds prefer to travel and nest alone, except when feeding, finding a mate, or resting on the ground, and they also fly south for winter in large groups. |
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| Approval Level : | None; Brown-headed cowbirds are found in grasslands, woodland edges, thickets, and fields, but they generally avoid forests. | |
| Kill Difficulty : | Low; Cowbirds are small and almost defenseless. |
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| Training Level : | Specialty - Group Flying; They tend to fly solo, but prefer to feed and rest in large groups. |
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| Hunting Tactic : | Birds | |
| Food Quality : | High; Brown-headed cowbirds are average sized, highly nutritional, and delicious. | |
