bobolink

[ bob-uh-lingk ]

noun

1. a common North American songbird, Dolichonyx oryzivorus, that winters in South America.

bobolink

/ ˈbɒbəˌlɪŋk /

noun

1. an American songbird, Dolichonyx oryzivorus , the male of which has a white back and black underparts in the breeding season: family Icteridae (American orioles) Also called (US)reedbirdricebird

Word History and Origins

Origin of bobolink¹

1765–75, Americanism; short for Bob o' Lincoln, the bird's call as heard by speakers of English

Word History and Origins

Origin of bobolink¹

C18: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

And the bobolink, known for its robust songs and long-distance travels to South America.

From Seattle Times

For example, ospreys, bobolinks and at least 12 other species migrate between Washington, D.C. and Fonte Boa, Brazil.

From Seattle Times

It also holds the largest, westernmost populations of bobolinks, a twerpy little black-and-white songbird with a complex, mechanical call.

From New York Times

My avian identification skills are lacking, but a brochure we picked up said the meadow provides habitat for bobolinks, eastern meadowlarks and northern harriers.

From Washington Post

Delaying field mowing until August can give bird species such as bobolinks a chance to complete their nesting season.

From Seattle Times