Western Meadowlark

We primarily hear the Western Meadowlark, rather than see them. They have wonderful calls that we’re always thrilled to start hearing again in the spring.

Latin name: Sturnella neglecta
Length, wingspan: 9.5″, 14.5″
What they eat: Seeds and grains during fall and winter, insects in spring and summer.
Habitat: Meadows, grasslands, prairies; they avoid woodlands and shrubby terrain.
Where they nest: On the ground in a depression, usually in a pasture or grassy area.
My observations: Since we live in a fairly open area, we typically see the Western Meadowlark each spring and summer. In the spring, the males sing from predominant perches — tree tops and fence posts. We love hearing their delightfully cheerful calls that carry a long distance (listen below). Throughout the summer, they’re occasionally seen on the ground hunting for insects and seeds.

The breeding adults are absolutely gorgeous, with bright gold eyebrows, chins and breasts, and they look like they’re wearing a black necklace! The Western Meadowlark has a long pointy beak that they point toward the sky when they launch into song. It’s a delight having them around. 

To learn more about the Western Meadowlark, visit Cornell’s All About Birds website.

Back to My Backyard Birds

(from R Osborn’s YouTube video)