Cowbirds are birds in the genus Molothrus within the family Icteridae, originating from the New World. Some non-native species have become invasive in North America and are known as obligate brood parasites, laying their eggs in other birds’ nests. The genus was introduced by William Swainson in 1832, with the brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) as the type species. The name combines the Ancient Greek words for “struggle” and “to sire.” The term “cowbird,” first recorded in 1839, comes from their tendency to be seen near cattle.
