cowbird

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun North American blackbird that follows cattle and lays eggs in other birds' nests

Etymology

From cow + bird, as they are often seen near cattle, feeding on insects stirred up by the hooves and those attracted to the manure, as well as fermented grains from the manure.

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