Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus

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

Adult female, male basic, juvenile:

• 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

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.