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 save energy and time, as they do not raise their own young. There are several species of cowbirds, including the Brown-headed Cowbird and the Shiny Cowbird. These birds are typically medium-sized with a stout body and a short tail. Cowbirds primarily feed on seeds and insects, often foraging in open fields and pastures.