cowbird

American  

[kou-burd] / ˈkaʊˌbɜrd /

noun

1. any of several New World blackbirds of the genus Molothrus, especially M. ater, of North America, that accompany herds of cattle.

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cowbird British  

/ ˈkaʊˌbɜːd /

noun

1. any of various American orioles of the genera Molothrus, Tangavius, etc, esp M. ater (common or brown-headed cowbird). They have a dark plumage and short bill

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Etymology

Origin of cowbird

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; cow ¹ + bird

Example Sentences

He pointed to other examples of successful animal control programs, including trapping brown-headed cowbirds to benefit the least bell’s vireo, a small endangered bird.

From Los Angeles Times

They withstand enormous loads of the virus without getting sick, passing it on to local species, like blackbirds, cowbirds, and grackles, that mix with migrating flocks.

From Salon

At first, I suspected brown-headed cowbirds, famous as they are for raiding nests.

From New York Times

The birds make the staccato sound of this call only when a cowbird is near.

From Science Magazine

"The best solution is to leave cowbirds eggs alone," Dr. Steve Rothstein, Emeritus Professor of Zoology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, told Audubon.

From Salon