: Born altricial (naked and helpless), they possess one of the fastest avian growth rates , increasing their body mass by 9–10 times within the first few days.
: They undergo a "thermoregulatory metamorphosis" over approximately 12 days , transitioning from an ectothermic-like state to being able to maintain their own body heat. agelaius
: Males are aggressively defensive, famously attacking much larger animals, including hawks, horses, and humans, if they approach the nesting site. : Born altricial (naked and helpless), they possess