Browse the database

• Cladogram
• Scientific Name
• Common Name
• Skeletal Element
• Temporal Interval
• Geographical Location
• Specimen Number

Aves - Neognathae - Passeriformes - Icteridae - Molothrus - Molothrus ater

Left Humerus (Left Upper Arm Bone) of a Molothrus ater (Brown-headed Cowbird)

Rotate: left click on mouse
Zoom: right click on mouse (PC) or command and click (Mac)
Move: left and right click simultaneously (PC) or shift and click (Mac)

Species Description
The Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) is a common bird found in North America. The males are black with brown heads while the females are a lighter brown to almost grey with stripes on their breast. The head and beak are finch shaped; they eat mainly insects and seeds. The Brown-headed Cowbird is a brood parasite meaning that it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species, letting the deceived birds bear the burden of raising the young. Brown-headed Cowbird eggs have been found in over 220 different host species nests. If the host parents remove the parasitic egg the Brown-headed cowbird may attack and destroy the nest.
Skeletal Elements Available

Left Humerus (Left Upper Arm Bone)

External Links
Encyclopedia of Life Wikipedia