BIRDS: PASSERINES: BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, AND GRACKLES

Western Meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta

Family Icteridae (Blackbirds, Orioles, and Grackles)

Size: 9.5"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Open fields, grasslands, meadows

The western meadowlark is chunky and short-tailed, with a flat head and a long, pointed bill. It is heavily streaked and barred above, and yellow beneath with dark streaking. The head has a dark crown, white superciliary stripes, dark eye lines, and a yellow chin and malar area. A black, V-shaped “necklace” that becomes quite pale during winter months is on the upper breast. Nonbreeding plumage is much paler overall. Meadowlarks gather in loose flocks to pick through grasses for insects and seeds. They often perch on telephone wires or posts and sing short, whistling phrases. The breeding adult is illustrated.