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Dickcissel

(Spiza americana)

Photo: Ron Austing

Size             : 6 inches long (15 cm)

Description      : Male   - Looks like across between a meadowlark and a sparrow: streaked brown back with
                            a yellow breast and a black bib; has a heavy bill and a chestnut wing patch

                   Female - Similar to house Sparrow, with narrow streaks on the sides and a muted-yellow 
                            throat and breast

Preferred Habitat: Open country, grain and hay fields, weed patches
 
Preferred food   : Seeds, grains, insects; at the feeder it will accept cracked corn, millet and peanut butter  
                   
Breeding Range   : Southern Michigan, through Midwest and south to Gulf states

Winter Range     : Mexico, northern South America

Interesting Facts:- Appearances sporadic; population fluctuation may be due to diseases and migration disasters 
                  - Considered beneficial because of its large insect consumption
                  - Early migrator: leaves in August, as soon as nesting season is over
                  - Female builds bulky nest of weeds and grasses, lined with feathers, moss, hair
                  - Prefers nesting on or near ground, often in alfalfa or clover fields  
                  - Clutch size: 3 - 5; incubation period: 10 - 13 days; nestling period: 10 - 12 days;
                    broods per season: 2 
                  - Voice: 'dick-dick-cissel-cissel-cissel'