The term "Cowbird" refers to a group of birds belonging to the family Icteridae, primarily found in North America. These birds are known for their unique behavior of brood parasitism, where they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, leaving the host birds to raise their young. Cowbirds are medium-sized, with a stout body and a short tail. They typically have a brown or black plumage, and males often display shiny, iridescent feathers. Common species include the Brown-headed Cowbird and the Yellow-headed Blackbird, both of which play important roles in their ecosystems.