Knowledgebase
2 kinds of eggs in a nest #870348
Asked May 27, 2024, 11:10 PM EDT
Hi - we have birds that apparently really liked the spring wreath we put up, and have made a nest between it and our front door. We noticed the last time we checked on them that there is a new, different kind of egg in the nest. It’s up the door, so I am assuming it is not a snake or anything that would be dangerous to my kids, but I don’t know of any local birds that lay 1 egg and in another birds nest. Can anyone tell what kind of egg these are?
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello Lauren,
Thank you for contacting the 'Ask Extension' about your question about the eggs in your nest.
It looks like you have a Brown-headed Cowbird egg in the nest with the other bird species.
Cowbirds are native to the United States but are brood parasites of other birds. This means they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species. The egg is then raised by the 'foster' bird family and will often hatch before the other birds in the nest. Cowbirds are not dangerous to you or your family.
These birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. You are not allowed to move the egg from the nest or use any means of controls
I hope that helps!
Rustie R.
Colorado Master Gardener Apprentice
