Dickcissel

Photo of a male dickcissel in breeding plumage, perched.
Scientific Name
Spiza americana
Family
Cardinalidae (cardinals, grosbeaks, buntings) in the order Passeriformes
Description

Dickcissel adult male upperparts are gray-brown with dark streaks; the shoulders are a rich chestnut. There is a white eye ring, a yellow eyebrow and moustachial streak, and a gray cheek. Underparts are white, with a yellow breast and, in breeding plumage, a black “bib” on lower throat and upper breast. Females have hints of yellow on the breast and eyebrow, and less obvious chestnut on shoulders. Song is a harsh dick-dick-dickcissel. The call given in flight frequently is a buzzy, electric bzzzzt.

Similar species: Eastern and western meadowlarks, though similar in coloration and found in similar habitats, are larger, chunkier, with longer legs. They are members of the blackbird family, with longer, pointier bills; dickcissels are smaller and sparrow- or finch-like. The songs are different, too. Sometimes also confused with house (English) sparrows.

Size

Length: 6¼ inches (tip of bill to tip of tail).

Where To Find
Dickcissel Distribution Map

Statewide. Abundant in the Glaciated and Osage Plains and in the Mississippi Lowlands. In some years they are common in the larger fields in the Ozark region.

Native to prairies and other grasslands, but it has adapted to farmland, cereal grain fields, weedy fields, alfalfa fields, hay fields, and other agricultural habitats. In some years it may be very abundant in a certain field and absent the next year. Many pairs may nest in one area and yet none might occupy another, equivalent field. A few individuals may linger late into the fall or appear at bird feeders.

Dickcissels forage near the ground for insects and seeds in weedy fields, grasslands, prairies, and cereal grain fields.

Common resident; casual winter resident. Globally, they declined some 35 percent between 1966 and 1994. Apparently some of that decline was caused in North America, by habitat loss and fragmentation and when harvest equipment destroys nests each year. But where they winter in Central and South America, large flocks of dickcissels eat from crop fields where native grasslands used to be. Many farmers there protect their crops with noisemakers, but in desperation, some may employ lethal methods.

Cup nests are built of grass and weed stems and lined with finer materials, in grasses or sapling trees a little above the ground. A clutch comprises 3–6 eggs. Upon hatching, the young are helpless. Breeding range is most of the Central United States. In August and September, they begin to form large flocks and migrate south from Missouri. They are mostly gone by mid-October. They pass through Central America and on to northern South America for winter. They return here in late April and May.

Migratory birds require safe habitat everywhere they travel. The conflict between dickcissels and Central American farmers is serious. People can find viable solutions without devastating this bird species. Stay educated, and support solutions that work for everyone, including wildlife.

During fall migration, dickcissels form flocks of thousands, and winter roosts can include millions. This species is known for its unpredictable patterns, being numerous in a place some years, and absent in others. The environmental impact of so many birds is offset by their irregular appearance.

Media Gallery
Photo of a male dickcissel in breeding plumage, perched.
Resembling a cross between a meadowlark and a sparrow, the dickcissel is common in prairies, pastures, and fields.
Noppadol Paothong
1/11
Photo of a male dickcissel clinging to some dried plant stalks.
The dickcissel is native to prairies but has adapted to a variety of agricultural habitats.
Noppadol Paothong
2/11
Photo of a female dickcissel, perched.
Female dickcissel.
Jim Rathert
3/11
Photo of a male dickcissel, singing.
Dickcissels are similar in coloration to meadowlarks and are found in similar habitats.
Noppadol Paothong
4/11
Photo of a male dickcissel, perched, stretching its right wing.
Upperparts of adult male dickcissels are gray brown with dark streaks; the shoulders are a rich chestnut.
Noppadol Paothong
5/11
Photo of a female dickcissel.
Female dickcissels have hints of yellow on the breast and eyebrow, and less obvious chestnut on shoulders.
Jim Rathert
6/11
Photo of a male dickcissel, perched on a cocklebur plant.
During fall migration, dickcissels form flocks of thousands, and winter roosts can include millions.
Noppadol Paothong
7/11
Photo of a female and male dickcissel perched in prairie grasses.
Dickcissels arrive in Missouri in April and May. In late summer, they form large flocks. They depart by mid-October.
Jim Rathert
8/11
Photo of a male dickcissel perched on a grass stalk.
The dickcissel, northern cardinal, rose-breasted grosbeak, and indigo bunting are all in the cardinal family.
Jim Rathert
9/11
Photo of a female dickcissel, perched, holding insect in bill.
Dickcissels forage near the ground for insects and seeds in weedy fields, grasslands, prairies, and cereal grain fields.
Jim Rathert
10/11
Photo of a male dickcissel, perched on rose stem, singing.
The distinctive song of dickcissels sounds like their name.
Noppadol Paothong
11/11
Photo of a male dickcissel in breeding plumage, perched.
Photo of a male dickcissel clinging to some dried plant stalks.
Photo of a female dickcissel, perched.
Photo of a male dickcissel, singing.
Photo of a male dickcissel, perched, stretching its right wing.
Photo of a female dickcissel.
Photo of a male dickcissel, perched on a cocklebur plant.
Photo of a female and male dickcissel perched in prairie grasses.
Photo of a male dickcissel perched on a grass stalk.
Photo of a female dickcissel, perched, holding insect in bill.
Photo of a male dickcissel, perched on rose stem, singing.
Similar Species

Where to See Species

Yellow wildflowers with native grasses.
Friendly Prairie Conservation Area
This 40-acre native prairie remnant is owned by the Missouri Prairie Foundation and is jointly managed with the Conservation Department.
About Birds in Missouri

About 350 species of birds are likely to be seen in Missouri, though nearly 400 have been recorded within our borders. Most people know a bird when they see one — it has feathers, wings, and a bill. Birds are warm-blooded, and most species can fly. Many migrate hundreds or thousands of miles. Birds lay hard-shelled eggs (often in a nest), and the parents care for the young. Many communicate with songs and calls.

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