Leistes loyca
The Long-tailed Meadowlark, *Leistes loyca*, is a striking member of the Icteridae family, distinguished by its exceptionally long tail and vibrant plumage. Males boast a brilliant crimson-red throat and breast, sharply contrasting with blackish-brown upperparts heavily streaked with rufous, and prominent white flanks. They typically measure 25-28 cm in length and weigh around 100-110g, with the distinctive tail contributing significantly to their stature. Females are noticeably duller, exhib...
Found primarily in open grasslands, pastures, agricultural fields, and coastal scrublands, from sea level to moderate elevations in the Andes foothills.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, and other invertebrates, supplemented with seeds, especially during non-breeding seasons.
Long-tailed Meadowlarks are largely diurnal, spending much of their time foraging on the ground or perching prominently to sing. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season, delivering their rich, fluting songs from elevated perches such as fence posts, shrubs, or tall grass stalks to...
The Long-tailed Meadowlark is widely distributed across southern South America, with its primary breeding range extending from central Chile and Patagonia in Argentina, east through Uruguay, and south to Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). It is largely resident throughout...
Least Concern
- The Long-tailed Meadowlark is often mistaken for its close relative, the Greater Red-breasted Meadowlark (*Leistes superciliaris*), but *L. loyca* lacks the prominent supercilium (eyebrow stripe) of its cousin. - Its exceptionally long tail, which can be almost as long as its body, helps it bal...