Sturnella neglecta
The Western Meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta, is an iconic songbird of open landscapes across western North America, renowned for its flute-like, melancholic song. This medium-sized icterid measures 19-26 cm (7.5-10.2 in) in length with a wingspan of 38-41 cm (15-16 in) and weighs 85-115 g (3.0-4.1 oz). Its striking plumage features bright yellow underparts, a prominent black V-shaped breast band, and white flanks streaked with black. The upperparts are streaky brown and black, providing excell...
Primarily inhabits open grasslands, prairies, pastures, hayfields, and agricultural areas, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily insectivorous during the warmer months, consuming grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and caterpillars; shifts to a diet of seeds and grains, particularly corn and wheat, during fall and winter.
Western Meadowlarks are largely diurnal, spending their days foraging on the ground or singing from elevated perches, and roost communally on the ground in dense vegetation overnight. Their foraging strategy involves walking and probing with their bills for insects and seeds, often using their st...
The Western Meadowlark's breeding range spans western and central North America, extending from southern British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan south through the Great Plains to northern Mexico, and west to the Pacific Coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington. During winter, northe...
Least Concern
- The Western Meadowlark is the state bird of six U.S. states: Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming. - Its scientific name, *Sturnella neglecta*, means 'neglected starling' because early European naturalists initially overlooked its distinctiveness from its eastern relativ...