Bobolink




Bobolink - Male


Bobolink
(Dolichonyx oryzivorus)

Order:  Passeriformes
Family:  Icteridae




Bobolink - Breeding Male
Photo by C. Shot [CC 2.0]

Bobolink Information

Length:  6 - 8"

Habitat:  Open fields, especially hayfields; wet meadows. During migration, can also be found in marshes.

Diet:  Insects, including grasshoppers, ants, beetles, and caterpillars; spiders; weed seeds and grass seeds.

  Songs and calls of the Bobolink


     Photo of Bobolink Pair at Nest

     Photo of Bobolink Feeding Young

Additional Information

Bobolink
Range, habitat, physical description, reproduction, lifespan, behavior, communication, food habits, predation, and conservation status. Includes photos. (From Animal Diversity Web)


Female Bobolink

Female Bobolink

By Mike's Birds [CC SA 2.0]

Bobolink
Identification Tips

  • 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

(Credit: U. S. Geological Survey)


Breeding Bird Survey Map,
2011-2015

Bobolink Breeding Map

(Image credit: USGS)


Range in New England

The Bobolink breeds throughout New England. This bird is not found in the region during the winter. It migrates to South America.