Brown-headed Cowbird
Molothrus ater

f2.8 @ 1/400s, ISO:1000, Nikon D300S w 300mm

\"Brown-headed Cowbird,\" Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The brown-headed cowbird is a small obligate brood parasitic icterid of temperate to subtropical North America. They are permanent residents in the southern parts of their range; northern birds migrate to the southern United States and Mexico in winter, returning to their summer habitat around March or April. The brown-headed cowbird is typical for an icterid in general shape, but is distinguished by a finch-like head and beak and is smaller than most icterids. The adult male is iridescent black in color with a brown head. The adult female is slightly smaller and is dull grey with a pale throat and very fine streaking on the underparts. The total length is 16–22 cm (6.3–8.7 in) and the average wingspan is 36 cm (14 in). Body mass can range from 30–60 g (1.1–2.1 oz), with females averaging 38.8 g (1.37 oz) against the males\' average of 49 g (1.7 oz).

Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

06/24/2012