Blues had the better of a highly charged first half at Villa Park.
But Villa got on top after the break to earn victory over Gary Rowett's side.
The visitors went closest in the first half through an angled shot from Jacques Maghoma, who also volleyed over when well placed.
And lively teenager Demarai Gray should have done better with a weak chipped free-kick straight at home keeper Brad Guzan.
Maghoma had a great chance to level, after being sent through by Gray, but Guzan saved his scuffed effort.
Villa could have won by more, Kuszczak saving spectacularly from Scott Sinclair and Jordan Ayew, whose fellow half-time substitute Jack Grealish was inches away from stealing in at the far post.
Villa's first win in four matches, since beating Notts County in round two, condemned Blues to only their second defeat of the season.
Sherwood on Aston Villa v Birmingham
"We've shown we're a flexible team. I want players who I can look in the eye and get what I expect. Tonight is a huge boost. I thought we could have won a lot more comfortably."
"You're playing against a huge side from the Premier League in a local derby, it's a very difficult game to play in. First half we were the better side, we played very well, had a few chances and moved the ball around very well.
"Jack Grealish changed the game when he came on and we were undone by a moment of quality from Rudy Gestede. That is very difficult to defend against.
"I hope the fans will have seen something positive and will have seen us run Aston Villa very close. I think tactically we more than matched Villa."
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