Sturnella lilianae
The Chihuahuan Meadowlark (Sturnella lilianae) is a medium-sized songbird, typically measuring 19-23 cm (7.5-9.1 inches) in length with a wingspan of 30-38 cm (12-15 inches) and weighing 60-80 grams (2.1-2.8 ounces). It features a streaky brown and black back, a brilliant yellow belly, and a distinctive black V-shaped breast band, offset by white outer tail feathers visible in flight. Key identification marks distinguishing it from its close relatives, the Eastern and Western Meadowlarks, inc...
Arid grasslands, shortgrass prairies, desert scrub, and savannas, typically at low to moderate elevations between 700-2,000 meters (2,300-6,500 feet).
Primarily insects (grasshoppers, beetles, crickets) during the warmer months, supplemented with seeds in winter.
Chihuahuan Meadowlarks are primarily diurnal, spending their days foraging on the ground and roosting in dense vegetation or on the ground at night. They employ a characteristic foraging strategy, walking slowly and probing the soil with their sturdy bills or gleaning insects from low-lying veget...
The Chihuahuan Meadowlark is predominantly a resident species found across arid and semi-arid grasslands of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its breeding and year-round range extends from southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and western Texas, south throughout much of...
Least Concern
- The Chihuahuan Meadowlark was only elevated to full species status in 2014, having previously been considered a subspecies of the Western Meadowlark. - Its distinct, reedy song is a key identifier, differing noticeably from the flutelike melodies of the Eastern and Western Meadowlarks. - Nests ...