Blackbirds, Grackles, Orioles

Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus

Family Icteridae (Blackbirds, Grackles, Orioles)

Size: 7"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Lush prairies, grasslands, agricultural areas

The bobolink is shaped like an elongated sparrow with pointy wings and exhibits quite different plumage in males and females. The female and winter male are a buff brown overall and paler below, with streaking along the back and sides. On the face is a thin, dark crown and eye stripe. The breeding male is white above and black below, with a two-toned head that is black in front and light yellow in back. The bobolink’s song is a playful, jumbled melody that some compare to its name, bobolink-bobolink. The female (top) and breeding male (bottom) are illustrated.