Watercolor portrait of Dickcissel (Spiza americana)

Dickcissel

Spiza americana
Neotropical migrant—breeds across the ce… Tallgrass prairies, hayfields, weedy pas… Fairly Common Territorial song

Learn to identify the Dickcissel by ear. Master the "dick-dick-CISS-CISS-cissel" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“dick-dick-CISS-CISS-cissel”

What the Dickcissel sounds like

The Dickcissel is a sparrow-like grassland songbird named for the emphatic "dick-dick-ciss-ciss" refrain of the male’s song. Males sport a bright yellow breast with a bold black V, chestnut shoulders, and a grayish head, making them look like a miniature meadowlark, while females and immatures are buffy and streaked with a faint yellow wash and no dark bib. They gather in flocks outside the breeding season and can number in the thousands on the wintering grounds.

“dick-dick-CISS-CISS-cissel”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A sharp, buzzy series of up-slurred notes ending in a drawn-out trill; delivered from prominent perches and often repeated incessantly all day. Often written as “dick-dick-CISS-CISS-cissel”.
Don't confuse with:The Eastern Meadowlark — meadowlark much larger

Where you'll hear it

Tallgrass prairies, hayfields, weedy pastures, prairie restorations, and roadside grasslands; winters in savannas, grain fields, and Venezuelan llanos.

Arrives on U.S. breeding grounds in late April–May, sings and nests through July, begins southbound migration in August–September, and spends October–March on wintering grounds.

Similar species

Eastern Meadowlark

Meadowlark much larger

House Sparrow (female)

Sparrow lacks yellow tones

Bobolink (non-breeding)

Bobolink shows streaked upperparts and face pattern

Dickcissel song FAQ

What does a Dickcissel sound like?
A sharp, buzzy series of up-slurred notes ending in a drawn-out trill; delivered from prominent perches and often repeated incessantly all day. Listen for the "dick-dick-CISS-CISS-cissel" phrase.
How do I tell a Dickcissel from a Eastern Meadowlark by sound?
Eastern Meadowlark: Meadowlark much larger; Has white outer tail feathers; Longer bill and more extensive yellow below.
When is the best time to hear a Dickcissel?
Arrives on U.S. breeding grounds in late April–May, sings and nests through July, begins southbound migration in August–September, and spends October–March on wintering grounds.