On several occasions this summer, I have observed one or two
Brown-headed Cowbirds perched on the backs and rumps of horses that were
feeding in a pasture. These observations occurred in Stevens, Pend Oreille,
Spokane and Whitman counties in Washington.
Has anyone else observed cowbirds perched on the backs of animals?
I would be very interested in any records of this. In addition, if you have
horse or cows near you house, keep an eye out for this behavior. In
particular, I want to know what they are doing. Every time I have seen
cowbirds on horseback, it has been along busy highways and interstates where
pulling off to watch the birds is not an option. I am really curious to
know if they are just perched there or are they picking off insects (like
the magpie post earlier). I have not seen a cowbird perch on a cow (they
seem to prefer horses in northeastern Washington). I have not seen this
behavior mentioned in the scientific literature (and I have spent a lot of
time reading about cowbirds).

Please send any information about cowbirds on the backs of animals
directly to me. If any one is interested, I could post the results later.
There is no geographical limit to this request (other species of cowbirds
are also welcome).

Thanks
Deb

Deborah K. Beutler
Department of Zoology
Washington State University
Pullman, WA

dbeutler at wsunix.wsu.edu