Bobolink
Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Bobolink is a small songbird with a unique appearance. Breeding males display a bold black plumage with white shoulders and back and a distinctive buff-yellow patch on the nape (back of the head). Their bill is short and conical, and dark in color during the breeding season.
Females and winter males are more subdued, with light brown feathers streaked with darker brown, resembling large sparrows. They have a distinctive pale stripe on the crown (top of the head) bordered by darker stripes, and their bill is pale in color.
Size
Length
16cm to 20cm
Wingspan
25cm to 30cm
Weight
29g to 56g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Bobolinks breed in open grasslands, hayfields, and meadows across northern United States and southern Canada. They prefer areas with a mix of grasses and broad-leaved plants for nesting and foraging.
During winter, they migrate to South America, particularly Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, where they inhabit grasslands and agricultural areas. They pass through the Caribbean and Central America during migration.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,200 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Tropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Bobolink. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Highly agile flyer capable of elaborate hovering displays and precise manoeuvres during breeding season. Their ability to navigate through grasslands and perform complex aerial courtship displays demonstrates remarkable aerial prowess.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small songbird (29-56g), the Bobolink possesses modest strength relative to larger birds. Whilst capable of long-distance migration, their physical power is proportionate to their diminutive size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Exceptional adaptability evidenced by their remarkable twice-yearly migration, ability to thrive in various grassland habitats across multiple continents, and capacity to shift between different food sources seasonally. Their successful navigation of agricultural landscapes further demonstrates this trait.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Displays moderate territorial behaviour during breeding season, particularly amongst males, but not notably aggressive compared to other species. Their social nature during migration and winter periods suggests a generally peaceful disposition.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Outstanding endurance demonstrated by their extraordinary 12,500-mile annual migration journey, one of the longest among North American songbirds. Their ability to maintain hovering flight displays and traverse vast distances across multiple continents showcases remarkable stamina.
Diet
Bobolinks are primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds of grasses and weeds. During the breeding season, they supplement their diet with insects, including grasshoppers, caterpillars, and beetles.
In rice-growing regions, they may feed on cultivated grains, leading to their nickname 'ricebird'.
Behaviour
Bobolinks are known for their bubbly, tinkling song delivered during hovering flight displays over their territories. They often perch on tall grass stems or fence posts.
During migration, they form large flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands, and can be seen feeding in rice fields or grasslands.
Vocalisation
The Bobolink's song is a unique, bubbling cascade of notes often described as 'bob-o-link' or 'bink, bink, bobolink'.
Males sing enthusiastically during the breeding season, both while perched and in flight. Their call is a sharp 'pink' or 'chink' sound, often heard in flocks.
Nesting & Breeding
Bobolinks breed once annually, typically from May to July. Males perform elaborate flight displays to attract females, singing their bubbling song while hovering over territories.
Females construct cup-shaped nests on the ground, hidden in dense vegetation. They lay 5-7 eggs, which are pale gray to reddish brown with dark blotches.
Incubation lasts about 11-13 days, performed solely by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 10-14 days but remain dependent on adults for another 1-2 weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Bobolink populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss and agricultural practices.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving grasslands and promoting bird-friendly farming methods, particularly in their breeding grounds across North America.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Bobolinks in open grasslands and hayfields during the breeding season
- Listen for their distinctive bubbling song, often given in flight
- Observe early morning or late afternoon when they're most active
- In the US, watch for large flocks during spring and fall migration
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- Bobolinks undertake one of the longest migrations of any North American songbird, traveling up to 12,500 miles round trip annually.
- Male Bobolinks molt twice a year, changing from their distinctive breeding plumage to a camouflaged winter plumage.
- The scientific name Dolichonyx oryzivorus means 'long-clawed rice eater', referring to their diet in rice-growing regions.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Dolichonyx oryzivorus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22724367A94863313.
View source - 3 4
report, 2007: data from Breeding Bird Survey and/or Christmas Bird Count: Butcher and Niven
- 2
website, 2020: Partners in Flight
View source
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