112: Brown-Headed Cowbird Explained: The Bird That Lays Eggs in Other Birds’ Nests

Learn about the Brown-headed Cowbird, a unique bird known for brood parasitism—laying its eggs in other birds’ nests and letting them raise its young. This birding and birdwatching podcast explores cowbird behavior, nesting strategies, and the surprising science behind this controversial survival tactic. We’re revisiting our episode on the brown-headed cowbird, and trust me, this one’s a wild ride. Did you know cowbirds don’t build their own nests, but instead lay their eggs in other birds’ nests and let them do the parenting? Even birds that aren’t even close in size will get stuck raising the chicks of a brown-headed cowbird. Hosts John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Pole talk about the Brown-headed Cowbird!Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky