_Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Case 7, Figs. 13, 14_
In July, after nesting, the male molts into a
plumage resembling that of the female, when both
are known as Reedbird. L 7-1/4.
_Range._ Nests from northern New Jersey and
northern Missouri to southern Canada and westward
to British Columbia; leaves the United States
through Florida and winters chiefly in
northwestern Argentina; returns to United States
early in April.
Washington, T.V., common in spring, abundant in
fall; Apl. 26-May 30; July 23-Nov. 14. Ossining,
tolerably common S.R., May 1-Oct. 5. Cambridge,
very common S.R., May 8-Sept. 10. N. Ohio, common
S.R., Apl. 10-Oct. 10. Glen Ellyn, S.R., Apl.
27-Oct. 9. SE. Minn., common S.R., Mch. 5-Aug. 27.
A bird with a dual personality; welcome minstrel of the meadows when
nesting, dread scourge of the rice-fields when traveling. With the loss
of his trim suit of black, white, and buff, Bob loses also his merry
tinkling, rippling song, and acquires with his streaked Reedbird suit a
single watchword. _Tink, tink_ he calls from somewhere overhead, and
_tink, tink_ his comrades answer as they follow a trackless path through
the sky on their 5000-mile journey.
The nest is placed on the ground and 4-7 grayish, blotched eggs are laid
late in May or early in June.