Dolichonyx oryzivorus. 
Char. Male in summer : black; back of head and hind-neck buff ; 
scapulars, rump, and upper tail-coverts ashy white. Male in winter, 
female, and young : above, yellowish brown, beneath paler, more buffy ; 
light stripe on crown. Length 6^ to 7^ inches. 
Nest. In a meadow ; made of dried grass. 
Eg^s. 4-6; white with green or buff tint, irregularly marked with 
lilac and brown; 0.85 X 0.60. 
The whole continent of America, from Labrador to Mexico, 
and the Great Antilles, are the occasional residence of this truly 
migratory species. About the middle of March or beginning 
of April the cheerful Bobolink makes his appearance in the 
southern extremity of the United States, becoming gradually 
arrayed in his nuptial livery, and accompanied by troops of his 
companions, who often precede the arrival of their more tardy 
