<P> The brown - headed cowbird is typical for an icterid in general shape , but is distinguished by a finch - like head and beak and is smaller than most icterids . The adult male is iridescent black in color with a brown head . The adult female is slightly smaller and is dull grey with a pale throat and very fine streaking on the underparts . The total length is 16 -- 22 cm ( 6.3 -- 8.7 in ) and the average wingspan is 36 cm ( 14 in ) . Body mass can range from 30 -- 60 g ( 1.1 -- 2.1 oz ) , with females averaging 38.8 g ( 1.37 oz ) against the males ' average of 49 g ( 1.7 oz ) . </P>
<P> The brown - headed cowbird is typical for an icterid in general shape , but is distinguished by a finch - like head and beak and is smaller than most icterids . The adult male is iridescent black in color with a brown head . The adult female is slightly smaller and is dull grey with a pale throat and very fine streaking on the underparts . The total length is 16 -- 22 cm ( 6.3 -- 8.7 in ) and the average wingspan is 36 cm ( 14 in ) . Body mass can range from 30 -- 60 g ( 1.1 -- 2.1 oz ) , with females averaging 38.8 g ( 1.37 oz ) against the males ' average of 49 g ( 1.7 oz ) . </P>
what type of bird is black with a brown head
what type of bird is black with a brown head
brown - headed cowbird
brown - headed cowbird