Brown-headed cowbirds belong to the same family of birds as blackbirds and orioles. Males have glossy iridescent black feathers and (no surprise here) brown heads. Females are a more uniform brown color. They are brood parasites, so they lay eggs in other birds’ nests. When the chicks hatch, they may push other eggs or nestlings out of the nest or simply outcompete them for food. They are year-round residents in parts of Southern NH.