cowbird

[ kou-burd ]

/ ˈkaʊˌbɜrd /

noun

any of several New World blackbirds of the genus Molothrus, especially M. ater, of North America, that accompany herds of cattle.

Origin of cowbird

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; cow¹ + bird

Words nearby cowbird

cowash, cowbane, cowbell, cowberry, cowbind, cowbird, cowboy, cowboy boot, cowboy hat, cowboy up, cowboys and indians

Example sentences from the Web for cowbird

The black-throated green warbler is seldom bothered by the cowbird, although mentioned by several writers as imposed upon.

Life Histories of North American Wood Warblers Part One and Part Two |Arthur Bent
One of these is called the Argentine cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis).

Our Bird Comrades |Leander S. (Leander Sylvester) Keyser
The cowbird had probably been surprised in the act of violating the nest, and the wrens were giving her a piece of their minds.

Bird Stories from Burroughs |John Burroughs
We then went off a short distance and watched developments, and to our surprise the little male bunting fed the cowbird first.

Trails and Tramps in Alaska and Newfoundland |William S. Thomas

The buzzard, the cuckoo, and the cowbird are the striking exceptions.

Summer |Dallas Lore Sharp

British Dictionary definitions for cowbird

cowbird

/ (ˈkaʊˌbɜːd) /

noun

any of various American orioles of the genera Molothrus, Tangavius, etc, esp M. ater (common or brown-headed cowbird). They have a dark plumage and short bill

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

cowbird

noun

Origin of cowbird

Words nearby cowbird

Example sentences from the Web for cowbird

British Dictionary definitions for cowbird

noun

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

cowbird

noun

Origin of cowbird

Words nearby cowbird

Example sentences from the Web for cowbird

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noun

British Dictionary definitions for cowbird