General

Bobolink: Small, lark-like blackbird, all-black except for buff nape, white rump, and white wing patches. Female is pale yellow with brown streaks and dark crown stripes. Winter adult is similar to female but with stronger yellow hue.

Range and Habitat

Bobolink: Breeds from southern British Columbia across southern Canada to Nova Scotia and south to eastern Oregon, central Colorado, central Illinois, western Virginia, and western North Carolina. Spends winters in southern South America. Preferred habitats include prairies and meadows; stays on marshes during migration.

Breeding and Nesting

Bobolink: Four to seven white eggs blotched with brown, purple, and lavender are laid in a cup of grass lined with fine plant materials. Nest is built in a ground depression covered with tall vegetation. Female incubates eggs for about 13 days.

Foraging and Feeding

Bobolink: In summer, eats insects and seeds; in winter mostly seeds; forages on the ground and in low vegetation.

Vocalization

Bobolink: Male sings a bright bubbly song while in flight, starting with low reedy notes and rollicking upward "bob-o-link, bob-o-link, pink, pink, pank, pink." Call is clear "pink."

Similar Species

Bobolink: Lark Bunting has yellow nape, white rump, and lacks a white wing patch. Female Bobolink is similar to Grasshopper Sparrow but is larger and has streaked flanks.