The Dickcissel, Spiza americana, is the only member of the genus Spiza.
Though the color pattern and habits of the Dickcissel make it stand apart from other Cardinalidae, its robust cone-shaped bill - stouter than in American sparrows or true finches which it somewhat rsembles at first glance - gives away its relationships.
The Dickcissel breeding habitat is fields in midwestern North America. Dickcissels forage on the ground or in fields. They mainly eat insects and seeds. Outside of the nesting season, they usually feed in flocks. They are considered a pest by farmers in some regions because flocks can consume large quantities of cultivated grains.
