bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• Length: 6 inches

• Short, conical bill

• Frequents open habitats

• Often found in large flocks in migration

Adult male alternate:

• Black head, underparts, back, wings and tail

• Yellow nape

• White scapulars and rump

• Plumage held in spring and summer

Female and basic:

• Buff and black head stripes

• Buff underparts with black streaking on flanks

• Buff upperparts with black streaks on back

• Dark wings and tail with pale edging

• Juvenile similar to basic

Similar species:

The male bobolink is similar to the male lark bunting but has a yellow
nape, white rump, and lacks a white wing patch. The female bobolink is
similar to the grasshopper sparrow but is larger and has streaked flanks.
Female red-winged blackbird has a streaked breast.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Neotropical migrant
Breeding Habitat: Grassland
Nest Location: Ground-low nesting
Nest Type: Open-cup
Clutch Size: 4-7
Length of Incubation: 10-13 days
Days to Fledge: 10-14
Number of Broods: 1
Diet: Primarily insects and seeds

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May U
      Su - Summer: June, July, August R
      Fall: September, October, November R

      Winter: December, January, February

 

 

Back to Inventory of Bird Families and Species