Leistes bellicosus
The Peruvian Meadowlark (*Leistes bellicosus*) is a striking member of the Icteridae family, celebrated for its vibrant plumage and distinctive song across western South America. Males boast an unmistakable bright red breast traversed by a bold black "V" shape, contrasting with white flanks streaked with black, and an olive-brown back heavily streaked with dusky markings. Averaging 20-21 cm (8-8.5 inches) in length and weighing 70-85 grams (2.5-3 ounces), its size is typical for a medium-size...
This species favors open country, including natural grasslands, agricultural fields, pastures, and dry shrubland. It can be found from sea level along coastal plains up to elevations of 3500-4000 meters in the Andean foothills.
The diet primarily consists of insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, which they forage for by walking on the ground and probing with their bills. They supplement their insectivorous diet with various seeds, particularly during the non-breeding season.
Peruvian Meadowlarks are primarily diurnal, actively foraging during the day and roosting concealed in ground vegetation or low shrubs at night. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season, vigorously defending their space with distinctive song flights, where they ascend singing befor...
The Peruvian Meadowlark is a widespread resident species, with an extensive distribution across western South America. Its primary breeding and year-round range stretches along the Pacific coast and adjacent Andean foothills from southwestern Colombia (rarely) through much of Ecuador, Peru, and n...
Least Concern
- The Peruvian Meadowlark was formerly classified in the genus *Sturnella*, alongside North American meadowlarks, but genetic studies moved it to *Leistes* with other red-breasted meadowlarks of South America. - Its scientific epithet, "bellicosus," means "warlike" or "pugnacious," likely referri...