Calamospiza melanocorys
male
The Lark Bunting is a well-marked songbird, all individuals of which have a stout conical bill and a white tip to the tail. The sexes are dissimilar. Breeding adult males have mainly black plumage but with a white patch on the wings that is conspicuous both in flight and when perched. In non-breeding adult males, black elements of the plumage are replaced by streaked and blotched gray-brown that is darker above than below. Adult females are similar to a non-breeding male but are paler overall, with a reduced amount of white on the wings. Juveniles are similar to an adult female but with less striking markings.
The Lark Bunting is present in its central North American breeding range mainly from May to August. Birds move south in fall, and the winter range extends from southern U.S.A. to Mexico. Outside the breeding season it forms large flocks.
female
FACT FILE
LENGTH 7 in (18 cm)
FOOD Mainly seeds, with invertebrates in spring and summer
HABITAT Prairies in summer; rough grassland in winter
STATUS Common summer visitor; local in winter
VOICE Song is a series of whistles and trilling notes. Call is a soft hu-eee
