Dolichonyx oryzivorus
L 7" (18 cm).

Song or calls:
Listen (UNL audio)
Listen (UNL audio2)
Song is loud, bubbling “bob-o-link,” often given in flight; also other “twanging” phrases.

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NEBRASKAland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Description: Sharply pointed tail feathers. Breeding male is entirely black below; black head, wings, and tail; buffy hindneck; white scapulars and rump. Female is buffy overall with dark streaking on back, rump, and sides; dark striping on head. Juvenile similar to female but lacks striping below.

Habitat: Usually found in ungrazed to lightly grazed medium to tall-grass prairies, wet meadows, and retired croplands. Sometimes found in small grain fields.

Where in Nebraska: Common spring and fall migrant and summer resident across the state, being most common in central Nebraska and less common in eastern and western areas.

Field Notes: Winters in South America. Often seen during fall migration with other blackbirds in agricultural areas.

Fun Facts: The Bobolink's round trip migration is about 12,500 miles long!