brown-headed cowbird

noun

brown-head·​ed cowbird ˈbrau̇n-ˌhe-dəd- 

: a cowbird (Molothrus ater) widespread in the U.S. and southern Canada in which the male is black with a brown head and the female is gray

The most famous brood parasites, the European cuckoo and the brown-headed cowbird, lay their eggs in nests of other species.

—Charles R. Brown and Mary Bomberger Brown

Sadly, the vireo is vulnerable to a nest parasite, the brown-headed cowbird, that flourishes near livestock and in urban fringe areas.

—Karen D. Fishler

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for brown-headed cowbird

• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword
• catbird
• catchword
• concurred
• conferred
• cowherd
• crossword
• deferred
• demurred