To me Dickcissels are birds of the Great Plains, found most commonly in grasslands. I see them most frequently at the Tallgrass. Vibrant coloration, but very well camouflaged, easy to miss as you walk through the tall grasses. The call is distinctive, and can help with location.

The Tallgrass Prairie was one of my research areas in tandem with several scientists looking at brine spill remediation and ecological damage. Dickcissels and Bison were constant companions (be very careful when you emerge from grass that has been over your head, there may be bull hiding out; they do not like surprises). They are a marker for climate change with a critical temperature of 35C and a Max temperature of 44C. To me, their most notable feature is their feet - look at the size of their tarsi and toes!.

This completes the Family Cardinalidae for me.

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