Bobolink

18 cm (7") Fairly common. Northern United States, southern Canada. Hayfields, weedy meadows; in migration, marshes.

Male: distinctive bird. Completely black below, mostly white above. Hindneck is buff but fades to white near end of summer.

Female or autumn Male: a rich buffy sparrow-like bird with dark stripes on crown, back, and sides.

In flight; white shoulders and rump conspicuous.

Sharply pointed tail feathers.

Song: bubbling "banjo-like" song given in hovering flight; flight call is a soft "ink".

Videos

Images

Credit: Greg Schneider

Credit: Kelly Colgan Azar

Distribution Maps

Bobolink distribution map