bobolink

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Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)

Listen: The song of the bobolink

Hear the songs of many different birds.

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus)

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bobolink

bird

Also known as: Dolichonyx oryzivorus

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Dec 13, 2024 • Article History

Listen: The song of the bobolink — Listen: The song of the bobolinkThe bobolink, or Dolichonyx oryzivorus, is found from Eastern and central North America to northern South America.
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bobolink, (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), American bird of the family Icteridae (order Passeriformes) that breeds in northern North America and winters chiefly in central South America. Migrating flocks may raid rice fields, and at one time the fat “ricebirds” were shot as a table delicacy. In the breeding season the 18-centimetre (7-inch) male bobolink—named for his bubbling song—has a black underside, yellow hindneck, white back and rump, and white patches on the wings; in winter he resembles the brown female.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Rick Livingston.