Nesting biology of the Dickcissel (Spiza americana) in north central Oklahoma

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: The nesting biology of the Dickcissel was studied from 17 May to 13 June, 1971, on a 45 acre tract in Payne County and a 23 acre tract in Noble County. All field data were collected by personal observation of the activity associated with 6 nests. Nest construction, incubation, and prefledging activity and behavior of adult Dickcissels were included

Findings and Conclusions: There was no evidence that Dickcissels were paired on arrival....i.e. pairing apparently occurred after arrival. Only the females were involved in nest construction, incubation, and care of the prefledglings. Eggs were laid on successive days. Although eggs of the same nest did not usually hatch on the same day, the young of the same nest did fledge on the same day.

The hatching success of 30 eggs in 6 nests was 41% and the fledging success was 100%.

The earliest recorded date for nest initiation by the Dickcissel. in north central Oklahoma was established during the course of this study.