The cowbird gets its name from participating in a mutually beneficial partnership with cows. Small flocks of cowbirds follow cows grazing in a pasture. As the cows move, they scare up small insects such as grasshoppers and cowbirds catch and eat the insects. Many years ago, before cows were introduced into the American landscape, this bird was called "buffalo bird" because it would follow herds of American bison.

The cowbird I show here is a male. The female cowbird is gray, looks very much like a catbird and does not have a brown head.

The tree I found this cowbird sitting in is called a redbud tree. It also is known as a Judas tree. The bark of this tree has a pleasing appearance. The redbud tree is a lower canopy tree which seldom grows taller than 30 feet. It is most often found growing at edges of forests and in fence rows. Its trunk and lower limbs often take on a somewhat gnarled or twisted manifestation as it grows toward available sunlight. Limbs farther up usually are straight as an arrow.

If you are looking for a beautiful addition to your yard and have a circle of space about 25 feet across, I highly recommend the redbud tree. It is hardy, grows quickly and will likely bloom the third year after planting as a seedling. Its outer limbs are covered in clusters of impressive pink flowers each April.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature photo column by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo. Find more work by Aaron at The Painted Wren Gallery.