Why Do Cowbirds Leave Their Eggs In Nests Of Other Birds?

[Omaha Steve]

http://wild.enature.com/blog/why-do-cowbirds-leave-their-eggs-in-nests-of-other-birds?utm_source=eNature+Master+List&utm_campaign=b10a0c3149-On_The_Wild_Side_July_11_20147_12_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fdc5c25bf0-b10a0c3149-58235496

Posted on Wednesday, July 09, 2014 by eNature


The Brown-headed Cowbird is common in much of the US
© USFW

After reading a recent blog entry about brood parasitism in cliff swallows, a number of readers wanted to know more about the well-known sort of brood parasitism practiced by cowbirds.

If a vote were taken tomorrow to find the most popular bird in the country, it’s doubtful that the cowbird would win. That’s because the cowbird has the nasty habit of laying its eggs in other birds’ nests.

It all started back in the days when American Bison ruled the Great Plains. At that time a rather nondescript grayish or black bird followed the herds around, feeding on seeds in the abundant supply of buffalo excrement. Settlers on the plains came to calling these animals buffalo birds.


Eastern Phoebe nest with Brown-headed Cowbird egg
© Galawebdesign


But since the birds depended on wandering herds for food, they needed to wander as well if they wanted to survive.

FULL story at link.

[BlueJazz]

1. Ah...because they hate to moooove them ?

[darkangel218]

2. I know cookoo birds do the same thing.

[XemaSab]

3. Old World cuckoos do

New World cuckoos, including anis and the roadrunner, build their own nests.

[darkangel218]

4. Well, i know European ones do it for sure. Its one of the very first things i learnd about them

as a child.

They're sneaky lil buggers, but they're cute.

[pinboy3niner]

5. Because they're givers, not takers