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Bobolink
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Common Name: Bobolink
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Icteridae
Genus: Dolichonyx
Species:
Dolichonyx
oryzivorus
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photo M. Noonan |
Taxonomy/Description
The Bobolink is a member of
the blackbird family, but with a more sparrow-like bill
than other blackbirds. The birds of the family Icteridae
are dichromatic, meaning the male and the female look
very different. During breeding, the male Bobolink has a
prominent yellow on the back of his head, white
scapulars, lower back and rump. The bobolink is special
in this because he is the only songbird who is solid
black below and largely white above. The female and the
off-breeding season male look very similar; they are
straw colored with dark stripes on the crown and back.
Otherwise, they look very sparrow-like. Size: 15-21 cm
(6-8 in) Wingspan: 27 cm (11 in) Weight: 29-56 g
(1.02-1.98 ounces)
Habitat/Diet
The Bobolink is found mainly
in the tall grasslands of the northern United States and
Canada during the breeding season. They are commonly
found in hay fields as well. Their population is
declining, however, because early mowing of these hay
fields destroys nests. The Bobolink is extraordinary in
that they migrate to the vast grasslands of southwestern
Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina during the
months of November through March. The Bobolink feeds on
a variety of larval and adult insects and spiders. They
are also a fan of seeds, rice, oats, corn, and other
small grains.
photo M. Noonan
Behavior/Reproduction
The Bobolink is polygymous,
and a male will have several simultaneous pair bonds
with multiple females. The female will make her nest on
the ground, the outer wall composed of dead grass and
the inside lining of fine grass or sedges. A clutch size
is usually 4-6 eggs. The eggs are usually a pale
reddish-brown with irregular dark splotches. The female
Bobolink will incubate these eggs from 11-13 days. 10-14
days after hatching, the babies are strong enough to
leave the nest. The Bobolink usually lays one clutch a
year, but have been known to rebuild nests and lay eggs
if the first nest is lost.
Where to see them in WNY
The Bobolink can be seen in
fields with very tall grasses. Usually in very rural
areas. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is a good place
to spot one.
photo M. Noonan |