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Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)

What does the Brown-headed Cowbird eat?

Molothrus ater

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The Brown-headed Cowbird's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Omnivore (primarily seeds and insects)

How it forages

Forages on the ground, often near grazing animals, eating seeds (especially grass seeds), grains, and insects (grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars). They will also visit bird feeders. They often follow livestock, feeding on insects stirred up by their hooves.

When it feeds

Diurnal

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