Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)
- HABITAT - Bobolinks breed in the summer throughout Canada and the northern United States. The bobolink migrates long distances, wintering in southern South America. The breed in meadows and grasslands. With the clearing of native prairies, Bobolinks moved to living in hayfields.
- DIET - During the breeding season, Bobolinks eat weed seeds, insect and spiders. During migration and winter, Bobolinks eat rice and other small grains, seeds and insects when available.
- FACTS - Nesting in hayfields has it's problems. Cutting hay in early to mid July coincides with the time that young birds are in the nest and are not able to fly. Many eggs, young and unflegded Bobolink will parish due to cutting the grass for hay. Along their migration route and in their wintering areas in South America, they are considered a pest of grain crops.
- All this has lead to a serious decline in the Bobolink population. They are considered as threatened in both Ontario and Canada.
Bobolink GALLERY
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