Western Meadowlark
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/8987759@N07">Kevin Cole</a> from Pacific Coast, USA (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Kevinlcole" class="extiw" title="en:User:Kevinlcole">en:User:Kevinlcole</a>) (CC BY 2.0)
NameWestern Meadowlark
Common NameWestern Meadowlark
Scientific NameSturnella neglecta
FamilyIcteridae
Wingspan (cm)46
Length (cm)24.5
Weight (g)100
Plumage DetailsAdults have bright yellow underparts with a prominent black V-shaped band across the chest. The flanks are white with black streaks. Upperparts are streaked brown and black, providing excellent camouflage in grassy environments. The head features a striped pattern with a dark eye-line, a white supercilium, and yellow lores.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, flute-like, clear, and melodious song, often described as a series of descending whistles. It also produces a harsh, chattering alarm call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, prairie, agricultural fields, pastures, open country
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across western and central North America, from southern Canada through the western and central United States, and into parts of Mexico. Winters in the southern parts of its breeding range and further south.
Identifying FeaturesBright yellow breast with black V-shaped band, Streaked brown and black upperparts, Long, pointed bill, Melodious, flute-like song, Prefers open grassland habitats
Description
The Western Meadowlark is a medium-sized songbird of open grasslands, easily recognized by its bright yellow underparts and distinctive black V-shaped chest band. It typically forages on the ground for insects and seeds, often perching on fences or posts to deliver its melodious song.
