Bobolinks have one of the longest migration routes in the western hemisphere.
Migration Distance
12,400 miles
Migration Route and Stopover Sites
Bobolinks nest in hayfields and meadows across the northern United States and southern Canada. They spend their winters in South America, primarily in southwestern Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. Some may spend time along the coast of Peru and Chile. In the spring, they return to North America by crossing over the Caribbean Sea to the Florida peninsula, where they fan northward and westward to their breeding grounds.
Bird Size
6 to 8 inches
Population
Some flocks may consist of 2,000 birds.
Threats
Bobolinks suffer from a loss of nesting habitat due to detrimental hay-cropping procedures. Bobolinks are hunted for food; in Jamaica they are used for food and are called "butter birds," a commentary on how fat they are as they pass along on their migration.
Interesting Facts
Its habit of eating grain has earned it the nickname "ricebird." Also known as meadow-wink, skunk blackbird and reed bird.
Bobolinks migrate at night.
Males are known to have up to four females nesting simultaneously in their territory. This is known as polygyny.
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