What is a cowbird's habitat?

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The cowbird is a member of the blackbird family and classified as a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nest of another bird. The cowbird's habitat has altered over time, as the bird adapts to changes across its range.

Geography

The cowbird now lives from south of the Arctic Circle well into Mexico. The cowbird will migrate from the most northerly parts of its range in winter, but will stay through the cold months in states as far north as Connecticut and Indiana.

Habitat

Open habitats such as the borders of woodlands, pastures, meadows, fields and lawns attract the cowbird. The species avoids deep forests.

Nomads

The cowbird was a nomadic species that closely followed the huge bison herds of America, feeding on the insects that these huge animals disturbed. As bison numbers declined, the cowbird adjusted by following the herds of livestock that ultimately replaced them, such as sheep and cows.

Expansion

As forests were cleared to provide land for agricultural purposes, the cowbird took advantage of the extra open space and expanded its original range.

Fun Fact

Cowbirds will spend the winter months in huge flocks of mixed blackbirds. Species such as grackles and red-winged blackbirds join cowbirds to comprise flocks that can number in the millions, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds website.

Source:

Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds: Cowbird

Audubon: Cowbirds and Conservation

"National Audubon Society Field Guide to Birds;" John Bull and John Farrand Jr.; 2008

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What is a cowbird's habitat?

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