Dickcissel

The Dickcissel (Spiza americana) is a small, robust seed-eating bird, the sole representative of its genus in the family Cardinalidae. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is distinguished by its striking breeding plumage, while the female and juveniles present a more subdued appearance.

Identification Tips

Adult males are characterized by a black throat patch, a vibrant yellow breast, and grey cheeks and crown, reminiscent of an Eastern Meadowlark in their breeding attire. Females and juveniles, on the other hand, bear a resemblance to house sparrows with brownish cheeks and crown, and streaked flanks. Both sexes possess a large, pale bill and a yellow line over the eyes. In flight, they emit a distinctive low, "electric" buzz.

Habitat

Dickcissels favor the prairie grasslands of the Midwestern United States for their breeding grounds.

Distribution

These migratory birds spend their winters in the warmer climes of Central America, northern Colombia, and northern Venezuela. They have been known to appear as vagrants outside their typical range.

Behaviour

Dickcissels arrive at their breeding territories rather late in the season, with the majority appearing in early June. They exhibit polygynous mating behavior, with males potentially attracting multiple mates. Post-breeding, they form large flocks and migrate to their wintering areas.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a sharp "dick dick" followed by a buzzed "cissel," which can also be transcribed as "skee-dlees chis chis chis" or "dick dick ciss ciss ciss."

Breeding

Nesting occurs near the ground in dense grasses or shrubs, or slightly elevated in bushes and trees. Males may mate with up to six females, though many will attract fewer or none at all. The pair bond dissolves after the breeding season.

Diet and Feeding

Dickcissels primarily consume insects and seeds, often foraging on the ground or in fields. They are known to feed in flocks, especially outside the nesting season, and can be considered agricultural pests due to their appetite for grains.

Conservation status

The Dickcissel is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although certain populations have experienced significant declines.