From Opus

Male in breeding plumage
Photo by Glen Tepke
Marshfield, Massachusetts, USA, May 2004

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

[edit] Identification

16-18 cm.
Male - mostly black, cream napes, white scapulars, lower backs and rumps.
Female - mostly light brown, black streaks on back and flanks, dark stripes on the head, dark wings and tails.

[edit] Similar Species

Female and non-breeding male resemble a female House Sparrow, though yellower.

Female
Photo by: Gary Clark
Lamoille, Nevada, USA

[edit] Distribution

Breeds northern United States and southern Canada west to eastern British Columbia, Washington and Oregon.

In migration found throughout the south-eastern United States.
Rare to casual vagrant on the south-western United States. Accidental vagrant north of range.
Winters in Central and South America.

Rare autumn visitor to Europe.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.

Two subspecies are recognised by some authors: Dolichonyx oryzivorus oryzivorus and Dolichonyx oryzivorus albinucha^[1]

[edit] Habitat

Farmland, large hay and stubble fields; meadows, marshes and prairie. Perches in reeds and bushes.

[edit] Behaviour

[edit] Breeding

They build a cup shaped nest on the ground, hidden in vegetation, and 5-6 eggs are laid.

Photo by Oppie
May 2009

[edit] Diet

The diet includes seeds and insects.

[edit] Vocalisation

Call: a metallic pink.

[edit] References

1. Avibase
2. Collins Field Guide 5th Edition
3. Collins Bird Guide ISBN 0 00 219728 6

• List of references

[edit] External Links