Brown-headed Cowbird
Learn to identify the Brown-headed Cowbird by ear. Master the "liquid gurgling 'glug-glug-gleee" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.
What the Brown-headed Cowbird sounds like
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a small, stocky blackbird with a fascinating reproductive strategy. Males have glossy black bodies with distinctive brown heads, while females are plain grayish-brown throughout. As obligate brood parasites, they never build nests, instead laying eggs in the nests of other bird species.
“liquid gurgling 'glug-glug-gleee”
How to tell it apart
Lessons featuring the Brown-headed Cowbird
Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Brown-headed Cowbird's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.
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Where you'll hear it
Found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats including grasslands, woodland edges, fields, pastures, meadows, and suburban areas. Often associated with grazing livestock, which flush insects from vegetation. Avoids dense unbroken forests.
Most active during daylight hours. Breeding season extends from April through July in most areas.
Similar species
Brewer's Blackbird
Male has entirely black head (not brown) with iridescent purple sheen.
Rusty Blackbird
Breeding male is all black with greenish gloss, no brown head.
Bronzed Cowbird
Larger with entirely black plumage including head.