The Cowbird by John Burroughs (1867)
This work is a collection of essays that explore the natural world and human existence through the lens of the cowbird's behavior. The author examines how the bird's parasitic nature reflects societal norms and the consequences of unchecked individualism.
By John Burroughs · First published 1867 · Genre: Nature Writing, Non-Fiction, Essay · 706 words
First lines
The cow blackbird is a noticeable songster in April, though it takes a back seat a little later. It utters a peculiarly liquid April sound. Indeed, one would think its crop was full of water, its notes so bubble up and regurgitate, and are delivered with such an apparent stomachic contraction. This bird is the only feathered polygamist we have. The females are greatly in excess of the males, and the latter are usually attended by three or four of the former. As soon as the other birds begin to build, they are on the _qui vive_, prowling about like gypsies, not to steal the young of others, but to steal their eggs into other birds' nests, and so shirk the labor and responsibility of hatching and rearing their own young.
What this Textopian page supports
The Cowbird is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Burroughs, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: John Burroughs
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Writing, Non-Fiction, Essay, Wildlife Observation, Ecology
- Length: 706 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Cowbird by John Burroughs
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Cowbird?
- How does this essay by John Burroughs fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Nature Writing first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Nature Writing — The work focuses on the behaviors and characteristics of the cowbird, emphasizing observations of nature.
- Non-Fiction — The text presents factual information about the cowbird's reproductive strategies and interactions with other bird species.
- Essay — The format and style resemble an essay, exploring themes of nature and animal behavior.
- Wildlife Observation — The narrative includes detailed observations of wildlife, particularly avian interactions.
Tags
Nature Writing · American Literature · Essay Collection · Wildlife Observation · Ornithology · Birdwatching · Conservation · Environmentalism · Rural Life · Farmland · Agriculture · Farm Animals