Cowbirds are a species of bird with an unusual behavior: instead of making their own nests, they lay an egg in another bird’s nest so that the other bird raises the cowbird chick. Cowbirds usually choose the nests of warblers, a type of songbird. (“Warble” is an old-fashioned word for “sing.")

In this video, you will see how this cowbird behavior is driving some species of songbirds to extinction—destroying the population of that species until there is none left. As you watch, write down the words and images that personify cowbirds—give them human characteristics. For example, the cowbirds are said to ditch their eggs in other birds' nests.

Click on the left to watch the video.

List the words or images used in this video to personify the cowbirds.

You must be signed in to save work in this lesson. Log in