Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus

Identification Tips:

• 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.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.