Cowbirds are a group of birds belonging to the family Icteridae, primarily found in North America. They are known for their unique breeding behavior called brood parasitism, where they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species. This strategy allows cowbirds to avoid the energy costs of raising their young. There are several species of cowbirds, including the Brown-headed Cowbird and the Shiny Cowbird. These birds typically have a robust body and a short tail, with males often displaying darker plumage than females. Cowbirds primarily feed on seeds and insects, playing a role in their ecosystems as both foragers and nest invaders.