Encountering a Parasitic Bird Species

      A few weeks ago, I left the empty pellet buckets near the bunk feeders and put out the last hay bale of the season. To my surprise on returning, a black bird with a dark brown head lingered unusually close to the stacked buckets. As the photo illustrates, I was able to approach the bird whose species was unknown to me so I  snapped the photo. Filled with curiosity, I ventured closer. I had never gotten so close in proximity to a healthy, wild creature.

The male cowbird spotted at the feeders
I don't have a very good, long lens so I 
was quite close to this feathered creature.

    The little fowl appeared almost mesmerized until it began hopping under the bunk feeder. My compassionate side took over, I thought Oh this bird may have a damaged wing rendering it unable to fly. That thought had hardly passed through my mind before the small dark bird took to wing.

    Later that evening after viewing the photo, I referred to some of Dad’s bird books. I quickly identified it as a male brown-headed cowbird. As I read further in my internet researching, I was surprised to learn cowbirds were considered birds with “a parasitic lifestyle.” One description of the cowbird even dubbed the female cowbird as the “actual devil of birds.”

    The female cowbird lays her eggs in the prepared nests of other bird breeds. The unfit mother cowbird has been observed destroying the host bird’s eggs or baby birds and replacing the destroyed egg by laying one of her own.

    I reflected on what a sheen the feathers of the small, helpless-appearing bird had. I initially thought the jet-black bird was hampered by a damaged wing. Unfortunately, I had not known the true characteristics of the brown-headed cowbird.

    The female cowbird is so destructive that some species have become extinct due to the cowbird’s parasitism. Ironically, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects the brown-headed cowbird. Three species whose numbers have been affected include the indigo bunting with its gorgeous blue feathers, the Baltimore Oriole, and the black-capped vireo.

    Researchers have observed a Yellow Warbler build multiple levels of nests to cover the cowbird eggs on the lowest level and preserve her own eggs that will be laid and hatched. Other birds have been seen "booting" the renegade cowbird eggs from their nests so they can nurture their own young. Some bird families have even abandoned their own constructed nests, moved to a new location, all in an effort to preserve their brood for that hatching season.

    How uncanny that our own human families are attacked by the devil much like the female brown-headed cowbird preys on the nests of over 220 species! Just as the brown-headed female cowbird is destructive to the nests of so many birds in Oklahoma so is the devil to our lives and families. In the gospel of John, Jesus discusses the devil and his sinister characteristics in chapter 8, verses 44, …the devil…was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 

    That little male brown-headed cowbird seemed so innocent. In the same way, God told His people how those who follow Satan’s ways will impact their children, literally "sucking the life" from them in Deuteronomy 7:4, For they will turn your sons away from following Me, to serve other gods; so the anger of the Lord will be aroused against you and destroy you suddenly.

    That destruction need not happen if our families are always watchful and alert to the attacks from spiritual parasites. Moses instructed them in Deuteronomy 7:9, …Know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. Just as some nesting birds battle tenaciously against the ruinous brown-headed female cowbird, so we must be vigilant and watchful for Satan. Most importantly, love the Lord, know His Word, obey His Word, and teach your children to do the same.