Many people wonder if a bobolink is a type of sparrow. At a glance, the bobolink may resemble some species of sparrow. However, bobolinks and sparrows belong to different families of birds. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between bobolinks and sparrows.
What is a Bobolink?
The bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) is a medium-sized songbird that breeds in open fields across much of North America. They get their name from the distinctive “bob-o-link” song the males sing while flying over their breeding grounds. Bobolinks are in the family Icteridae, which includes blackbirds, orioles, cowbirds, and other new world species.
Some key facts about bobolinks:
- Length: 5.5-6.5 inches
- Wingspan: 9.5-10.5 inches
- Coloring: In breeding plumage, they have a black belly, yellow nape, and brownish-yellow underparts. Females and juveniles are duller grey-brown overall.
- Habitat: Open fields with dense vegetation, such as hayfields, pastures, and wet meadows
- Diet: Seeds, insects, grains
- Range: Breed across central and eastern North America, winter in southern South America
- Conservation status: Threatened in some areas due to loss of habitat
During the breeding season, bobolinks defend their nesting territories aggressively, even attacking much larger animals. Male bobolinks are polygamous and may mate with several females.
What is a Sparrow?
Sparrows are small-medium sized birds in the family Passerellidae. There are 35 recognized species of sparrows in North America. Some of the most common species include:
- House sparrow
- Chipping sparrow
- Field sparrow
- Savannah sparrow
- Song sparrow
- White-throated sparrow
- White-crowned sparrow
Some key characteristics sparrows share:
- Size: 4.7-7.5 inches long typically
- Coloring: Most species have brown, grey, white, or tan plumage. They tend to be somewhat drab overall.
- Habitat: Varies by species, but many live in open areas with thickets and shrubs.
- Diet: Seeds, grains, berries, and insects
- Behavior: Sparrows are very social and live in large flocks outside of breeding season. They forage on or near the ground.
While sparrows may not be brightly colored, they make up for it with their vocal abilities. Sparrows have complex songs and calls used to define territories and attract mates.
Differences Between Bobolinks and Sparrows
Now that we’ve looked at some general traits of bobolinks and sparrows, let’s directly compare the two:
Taxonomy
Bobolinks and sparrows are not closely related taxonomically. As mentioned previously, bobolinks are in the blackbird family Icteridae, while sparrows belong to the family Passerellidae.
Size and shape
In general, sparrows tend to be smaller and more slender than bobolinks. Here’s a size comparison:
Species | Length | Wingspan |
---|---|---|
Bobolink | 5.5-6.5 in | 9.5-10.5 in |
Chipping Sparrow | 4.7-5.7 in | 8.7-9.4 in |
Bobolinks have a thicker, seed-cracking beak compared to the thinner, more insect-suited beaks of sparrows. Bobolinks appear large-headed and short-tailed in flight, while sparrows have a more streamlined silhouette.
Coloration
Bobolinks have a more distinct plumage pattern compared to the plainer brown shades of most sparrows. Male bobolinks in breeding plumage are especially distinctive with their black underparts contrasting yellow napes and wing linings.
Behavior
Bobolinks are solitary nesters, whereas most sparrows nest in dense colonies. Bobolinks exhibit a polygynous mating system where males mate with multiple females. Most sparrows are monogamous and mate for life.
Bobolinks are long distance migrants, traveling thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds annually. Most species of sparrows do not migrate as far.
Habitat
Bobolinks prefer open fields like hayfields and meadows. Sparrows are more likely to live in woodland edges, thickets, backyards, and other areas with dense vegetation.
Diet
There is some overlap in the diets of bobolinks and sparrows as they both eat seeds and insects. However, bobolinks are able to eat larger seeds with their thicker beaks. Sparrows consume more insects and berries comparatively.
Song
The songs of bobolinks and sparrows are distinctly different. As their name suggests, male bobolinks produce a clear, bubbly song described as “bob-o-link.” Sparrows have more complex vocalizations made up of short phrases of chips, whistles and trills.
Conclusion
After reviewing their taxonomy, physical characteristics, behavior, habitats, diet, and songs, it is clear bobolinks and sparrows differ in many ways. While they may appear somewhat similar to an untrained eye, bobolinks are definitely not sparrows. The bobolink is the only species in its genus Dolichonyx. Sparrows comprise a family containing 35 species in North America alone. So in summary, a bobolink is not a sparrow at all, but rather its own unique species of new world blackbird.