Leistes militaris
The Red-breasted Meadowlark (*Leistes militaris*) is a strikingly dimorphic icterid, immediately recognizable by the male's brilliant scarlet breast and throat, contrasting with a black eye-stripe and streaky brownish-black upperparts. Males typically measure 19-21 cm in length and weigh 55-66g, while females are smaller (40-50g) and much duller, exhibiting a cryptic streaky brown plumage with only a faint pinkish wash on the breast, or none at all, making them notoriously difficult to spot. ...
Found primarily in open grassy areas, savannas, pastures, and cultivated fields, often in moist or marshy conditions. Occurs from lowlands up to elevations of approximately 1500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of invertebrates including grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Also consumes some seeds, particularly those of grasses, through ground gleaning and probing.
Red-breasted Meadowlarks are diurnal, spending most of their active hours foraging on the ground, often forming small, loose flocks outside the breeding season that may grow larger in winter. Males are highly territorial during breeding, defending their patch with persistent, clear, whistled song...
The Red-breasted Meadowlark is a widespread resident across much of Central and South America. Its breeding and year-round range extends from Costa Rica and Panama, south through Colombia, Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago. It continues across the Guianas and throughout a significant portion of ...
Least Concern
- The male's brilliant red breast is a key signal in courtship and territorial displays, making him highly conspicuous. - Despite their common name, Red-breasted Meadowlarks are not true larks (family Alaudidae) but belong to the New World blackbird family (Icteridae). - Females are masters of ca...