# Western Meadowlark (*Sturnella neglecta*) The Western Meadowlark is a beautiful bird with a cheerful song. It has yellow underparts with a black V-shaped bib on its chest. You can often find it perched on fence posts or flying low over grasslands. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 14 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Western Meadowlark](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426501/objects/6506.jpg) ## Appearance The Western Meadowlark has bright yellow underparts with a striking black V-shaped band across its chest, distinguishing it instantly. Its upperparts are streaky brown, providing camouflage, and it has white flanks and a short tail. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Passeriformes - **Family:** Icteridae - **Genus:** Sturnella ## Interesting facts - Male meadowlarks may have two mates at once during breeding season. - Some meadowlarks have "song dialects" specific to their region! - Their distinctive "V" chest band warns other meadowlarks from their territory. - They usually walk, not hop, across the ground when foraging for food. ## Special abilities - **Ground Nest Weaver:** Western Meadowlarks can weave well-hidden nests directly on the ground using grasses to protect their eggs. - **Song Composer:** Western Meadowlarks have a rich, flute-like song that helps them declare territory and attract mates over long distances. - **Swift Insect Hunter:** Western Meadowlarks can efficiently spot and snatch insects from the ground using their keen eyesight and quick movements. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 16-26 cm - **Wingspan:** 40-45 cm - **Weight:** 0.085-0.115 kg - **Lifespan:** 2-8 years - **Speed:** 55 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 3-7 - **Incubation:** 13-16 days - **Migration Distance:** 2500 km ## Diet & Feeding A varied eater, it feasts on insects, seeds, and occasional berries. - **Age differences:** Young chicks need protein-rich insects for fast growth, while adults consume more plant matter. - **Primary Foods:** grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, caterpillars, corn, sunflower seeds - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — A common aerial predator of adult meadowlarks. - **Eaten by:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — Preys on ground nests, eggs, and chicks. - **Eats:** [Differential Grasshopper](https://www.snappit.app/explore/differential-grasshopper) (*Melanoplus differentialis*) — A primary insect food source for meadowlarks. - **Eats:** [Corn](https://www.snappit.app/explore/corn) (*Zea mays*) — Consumes fallen corn kernels from fields. - **Depends on:** [Big Bluestem](https://www.snappit.app/explore/big-bluestem) (*Andropogon gerardii*) — Relies on this tall grass for nesting habitat. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Gliding](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/gliding): Gliding animals move through the air by launching themselves and maintaining flight with specialized body structures, without flapping wings. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Enjoy watching these birds from a distance to avoid disturbing their nests. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Western Meadowlark? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Western Meadowlark? 16-26 cm ### What is Western Meadowlark's wingspan? 40-45 cm ### How much does Western Meadowlark weigh? 0.085-0.115 kg ### How long does Western Meadowlark live? 2-8 years ### How fast can Western Meadowlark move? 55 km/h ### What does Western Meadowlark eat? A varied eater, it feasts on insects, seeds, and occasional berries. ### Where is Western Meadowlark usually found? Grasslands ## Where to spot - [Dinosaur Ridge](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/dinosaur-ridge) — Colorado, US · Natural Landmark - [Franks Tract State Recreation Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/franks-tract-state-recreation-area) — California, US · State Park - [Lake Missoula](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lake-missoula) — Montana, US · Natural Landmark - [Mesilla Plaza](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mesilla-plaza) — New Mexico, US · Park - [P Ranch](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/p-ranch) — Oregon, US · Historic Site - [Sod House Ranch](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sod-house-ranch) — Oregon, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Western Meadowlark](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/western-meadowlark) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Western Meadowlark: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-meadowlark)