Description
 During breeding season, the Bobolink is the only American bird that is black underneath and white on its back. It also has a light yellow patch on the back of its head. After breeding season is over, the male molts and grows new feathers. During this time, both the male and female are yellowish brown with black stripes on the head and back.
Range
The Bobolink spends the summer in central and northeast United States. In the winter, it migrates to South America, settling in parts of Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. During its long migration, it can found throughout parts of South America, the Caribbean and southern United States.
Habitat
 During breeding season, the Bobolink breeds in open grassland and hay fields. During migration and in the winter it can be found in freshwater marshes, grasslands and rice fields. |
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Diet
 An omnivore, the Bobolink feeds on the ground, eating seeds, grains, insects and spiders. Although it usually feeds during the day, during migration the Bobolink has been observed feeding in rice fields after dark on bright nights. Scientists believe it eats at night during this time to build up fat stores for the long journey.
Life Cycle
 The Bobolink uses grass and sedges to build a nest on the ground. Sometimes, it crafts a canopy out of dead grass over the top of the nest for additional camouflage. The female lays 1-7 bluish-gray eggs, which she incubates for 11-13 days. After hatching, the chicks wait about two weeks before first leaving the nest.
Behavior
 The Bobolink is an incredible traveler. It makes a round-trip journey of about 12,500 miles each year between North America and South America! |
Least Concern
