Chihuahuan Meadowlark
NameChihuahuan Meadowlark
Common NameChihuahuan Meadowlark
Scientific NameSturnella neglecta
FamilyIcteridae
Wingspan (cm)43.5
Length (cm)23.5
Weight (g)105
Plumage DetailsBright yellow underparts with a prominent black V on the breast; white flanks with black streaks; brown and black streaked back and wings; yellow face with a black eye-stripe and a white supercilium.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its beautiful, flutey, gurgling song, often described as 'spring-of-the-year'. Calls include a dry rattle and a sharp 'chupp'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across western North America, from southern Canada through the western and central United States, and into central Mexico, including the Chihuahuan Desert region. Winters in the southern parts of its breeding range.
Identifying Featuresbright yellow breast with black V, streaked brown and black back, flutey, melodic song, walks on ground rather than hops, long, pointed bill
Description
This medium-sized songbird is characterized by its striking yellow underparts and a distinctive black V-shaped band across its breast. It is typically found in open grasslands and fields, where it forages on the ground and sings its melodic, flutey song from prominent perches.
