Small and stocky with a short, thin bill, short tail, and dark eyes. Male is entirely glossy black with a bluish sheen. Female is brown, lacking streaks, with a vague pale supercilium. Juvenile is brown and faintly streaked, resembling juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird but with less distinct markings.

Length: 19 (cm) Wingspan: 29 (cm)

Habitat:

Fields, open woodlands, edges, agricultural areas, suburbs.

Behavior:

Like other cowbirds, female lays eggs in nests of other birds. Joins large mixed flocks with blackbirds.

Feeding:

Usually feeds on the ground; also gleans foliage in trees and follows large animals. Eats insects and seeds; sometimes visits bird feeders.