Pampas Meadowlark
NamePampas Meadowlark
Common NamePampas Meadowlark
Scientific NameLeistes defilippii
FamilyIcteridae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)75
Plumage DetailsMales exhibit a bright red throat and breast, extending down the belly, with dark brown to blackish upperparts heavily streaked with buff or pale brown. A prominent white supercilium contrasts with a dark crown and eye-stripe. Females are duller, with less extensive and paler red on the underparts and more streaking.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a series of clear, sweet, and often melancholic whistled notes, sometimes ending with a trill. Calls include harsh chattering sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Pampas grasslands of southeastern South America, primarily found in Uruguay and central-eastern Argentina, with some historical presence in southern Brazil.
Identifying FeaturesBright red throat and breast (males), Prominent white supercilium, Heavily streaked dark upperparts, Ground-dwelling behavior in grasslands, Distinctive whistled song
Description
The Pampas Meadowlark is a striking medium-sized passerine, notable for the male's vibrant red underparts and a contrasting white supercilium. It is a ground-dwelling bird of open grasslands, often perching on low vegetation to deliver its distinctive whistled song.
