Bobolink or E Meadowlark juv, central Maine, USA (1 Viewer)

River Girl

Registered User

Supporter

• Jul 29, 2018

• #1

I watched a family of Bobolinks in a farm field and near them were 2 other birds that have a black pointed mark on the breast that makes me think of Meadowlarks. I have never seen juveniles of this age of either specie and my field guides are weak on showing the juvs. Hope the cropped photos are clear enough.

Thank you

 

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KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Jul 29, 2018

• #2

I'm gonna go with a juvie Meadowlark.

 

The Bird Nuts

Birding Duo

• Jul 29, 2018

• #3

Beak shape (among other things) rules out meadowlark. These are molting male Bobolinks.

 

Microtus

Maryland USA (he/him)

• Jul 29, 2018

• #4

These should be adult male Bobolinks molting into winter plumage, so still retaining some black feathers. The bills are too short to be meadowlark bills. You can see white scapular feathering, and there is no loral stripe (meadowlarks would have a loral stripe).

eta cross-posted with The Bird Nuts.

 

River Girl

Registered User

Supporter

• Jul 29, 2018

• #5

Thanks again, Bird Forum.