These photos of an immature Dickcissel were taken back in May along the Mississippi levee road. Though hard to see, the bird has a small, green insect in its beak.
“Youth ages, immaturity is outgrown, ignorance can be educated … but stupid lasts forever.” ~Aristophanes
walking on a country road 
Lovely. He’s enjoying his seeds.
I look forward to seeing these little birds each spring.
I’ve never seen a bird like this before in Michigan. He almost blends into the plant he is perched on. I like the third picture down the best where he is looking right at you.
This bird migrates through Tennessee in the spring. They nest in the tall grass along the levee and then move on.
That’s why – I wish I knew more about birds. We have lots of species, but I suspect many are in the more rural northern suburbs, not here.
great shots and info Rebecca!
Thanks Wayne!
Hi Rebecca I see you call the young bird a different name in America. We call them Juvenile here in UK.
Lovely image.
Juvenile is often used here also. They are interchangeable.
Hi blackie1957 and Rebecca,
Although these plumage terms are often used interchangeably, they can also refer to two distinct phases. In this usage, juvenile refers to birds in their first plumage after fledging while immature refers to birds that have molted to a longer-term but pre-adult plumage. Note that many species do not have immature plumages.
Cheers!