Perch Supply
Cardinals and allies (Cardinalidae)

Dickcissel

Spiza americana. Grass and weed seeds, plus insects when nesting.

Cardinals and allies (Cardinalidae)DickcisselSpiza americana
Scientific name
Spiza americana
Length
5.5–6.3 in
Weight
0.9–1.4 oz
Nest
Bulky cup low in dense grass or forbs
Entrance hole
Does not use nest boxes
Clutch
3–6 eggs
Incubation
12–13 days
Broods
1–2 per season

Identification

  • Male has a yellow breast and black V bib, like a tiny meadowlark
  • Chestnut shoulder patch
  • Heavy grey conical bill

Voice

Its own name, buzzed out — 'dick-dick-cissel'.

Diet and feeding

Grass and weed seeds, plus insects when nesting.

What do dickcissels eat? · Best feeder for dickcissels

Dickcissels by state and province

RegionStatusNesting
ArkansasSummer breederMay–August
IllinoisSummer breederMay–August
IndianaSummer breederMay–August
IowaSummer breederMay–August
KansasSummer breederMay–August
LouisianaSummer breederApril–August
MarylandSummer breederMay–August
MichiganSummer breederMay–August
MinnesotaSummer breederJune–August
MissouriSummer breederMay–August
NebraskaSummer breederMay–August
North DakotaSummer breederJune–August
OhioSummer breederMay–August
OklahomaSummer breederMay–August
OntarioSummer breederJune–August
South DakotaSummer breederMay–August
TexasSummer breederApril–August
West VirginiaSummer breederMay–August
WisconsinSummer breederJune–August

Frequently asked

What do dickcissels eat?

Grass and weed seeds, plus insects when nesting. At feeders: millet, black-oil sunflower.

How big is a Dickcissel?

5.5–6.3 in long and 0.9–1.4 oz.

Do dickcissels use birdhouses?

No. Bulky cup low in dense grass or forbs.

Sources

  1. Dickcissel — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Dickcissel life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Dickcissel — Audubon Guide to North American Birds

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.