Cow-bird

Cow-bird (Molothrus pecoris), also called Cowpen Bird, Cow Blackbird, &c., a native of North America, nearly allied to the Troupials, remarkable for its cuckoo-like habit of utilising the nests of other birds for its own eggs. The latter are hatched sooner than those of the rightful owners, which fall victim to this lofty form of parasitism. The cow-bird is about 7 inches in length, predominantly brownish-black in colour, and has a short but sharply pointed beak. 'It utters a peculiarly liquid April sound.' The females are far more numerous than the males, and polygamy is therefore in vogue. The males have deeper, glossier coats than the females. It is said to damage the fields of sown maize, but feeds largely on insects. The name refers to its habit of frequenting cowpens for the sake of the attracted insects. Seven other species of Molothrus are known, occurring from La Plata to the United States.