COWBIRD

cowbird

(noun) North American blackbird that follows cattle and lays eggs in other birds’ nests

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

cowbird (plural cowbirds)

Any bird of the genus Molothrus. The cowbirds are brood parasites.

Source: Wiktionary

Cow"bird` (-brd`), n. (Zoöl.)

Definition: The cow blackbird (Molothrus ater), an American starling. Like the European cuckoo, it builds no nest, but lays its eggs in the nests of other birds; -- so called because frequently associated with cattle.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition