What is a "cowbird"?

A cowbird is a species of brood-parasitic bird characterized by its black plumage and stout body. Males have a glossy black coloration with a prominent brown head, while females have a duller gray-brown plumage. They are known for their unique breeding behavior, laying their eggs in the nests of other bird species, allowing them to be raised by unwitting foster parents. This adaptation enables the cowbird to forgo the responsibilities of nest-building and rearing offspring, instead relying on other bird species to raise its young. Although they may be seen as opportunistic and parasitic, cowbirds play a role in natural ecosystems and have their own unique behaviors and adaptations that contribute to the overall diversity of avian species.