Western Meadowlark

A Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is a medium-sized songbird known for its beautiful, flute-like song. It is the state bird of several U.S. states and a common sight in the open grasslands and fields of western North America.

The Western Meadowlark has a streaky brown back and a bright yellow breast with a distinct black V-shaped band on its chest. Its tail is short, and its flanks are white with black streaks. When in flight, a flash of white can be seen on the outer tail feathers. The bill is long and pointed.

These birds are found in open habitats, including grasslands, prairies, and agricultural fields. They spend most of their time on the ground, where they forage for insects and seeds. Their diet changes with the seasons; in the summer, they primarily eat insects and spiders, while in the winter, they rely more on seeds and grains.

The Western Meadowlark's song is a series of clear, melodic whistles that are a hallmark of the open prairie. It is a territorial bird, and males will sing from prominent perches like fence posts or shrubs to announce their presence. Unlike many other songbirds, they build their nests on the ground, creating a small, dome-shaped nest with a side entrance.