I photographed this male Dickcissel singing at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma back in May.
Driving along the tour road during that time of year, you can hear the distinct song of Dickcissels. Their call sounds like they’re singing their own name, which is how they got it in the first place.
I’ve noticed a drop in the number of Dickcissels over the past couple of years at this refuge. It’s not uncommon for their populations to fluctuate. In fact, their range can shift quite a bit. I read that this may be tied to changes in land use. At Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, the crop fields haven’t changed much, with corn and soybeans being the main crops. Dickcissels seem to prefer the soybeans, so I’m hopeful their numbers will rise again. I enjoy seeing and hearing these birds, and they’re great subjects for photography since they aren’t shy around vehicles.
Dickcissels are late migrants, typically not arriving until May, with most showing up in early June. They nest in dense grasses or low shrubs near the ground, sometimes in bushes or trees around 3–4 feet high.
What’s interesting about them is that males often have multiple mates—sometimes up to six. However, many males attract only one or two, and some fail to find any mates at all. If a male doesn’t find a mate, he’ll try again the next summer. Their breeding bond only lasts long enough to raise one brood, and when they leave for their winter migration around August, those bonds dissolve.
I hope these birds make a stronger return next year. Hearing their calls and watching them sing is something I look forward to each spring.