meadowlark
Bird Profile: Meadowlark
1. Bird Name
English name: Meadowlark
Scientific (Latin) name: Sturnella neglecta (Western Meadowlark); Sturnella magna (Eastern Meadowlark)
2. Appearance
Meadowlarks are songbirds characterized by an intriguing blend of crisp colors and intricate patterns. They are medium-sized birds with long, graceful bodies and a short tail. Their most distinctive feature is a bright yellow chest adorned with a rich, black, V-shaped band. Their upper bodies feature a mix of earth-toned feather patterns, with a series of brown, white, and black streaks creating a camouflaged appearance. Their head is patterned with white and black streaks and they have a characteristic flat-headed look. Their beak is long, pointed, and sharp, ideal for their insectivorous diet. Their eyes are a soulful brown. Male and female Meadowlarks are relatively similar in appearance, but males generally exhibit more vibrant coloration and pronounced markings than females.
3. Size
Averaging at about 9.5 inches (24 cm) in length, Meadowlarks fall under the medium-sized bird category. Their wingspan is approximately 14-16 inches (35-40 cm). Meadowlarks weigh between 3.2 and 4.1 ounces (90 – 115g).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Meadowlarks occupy a vast range across North America. They are found from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains and from Southern Canada down to the Northern parts of Mexico. Meadowlarks show a marked preference for open meadows, grasslands, and fields where they can nest on the ground, hidden by the grass.
5. Interesting Facts
Interestingly, Meadowlarks are not actually larks, but members of the blackbird family. Also, unlike many bird species, Meadowlarks exhibit polygynous behavior, meaning one male often has multiple female mates. Another unique fact is their wonderful singing abilities. Their song is a high, clear, beautiful series of whistles.
6. Diet
Meadowlarks primarily feed on insects, including beetles, grubs, crickets, ants, and grasshoppers. However, in colder months when insects are scarce, they switch to a diet of seeds and grains.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Meadowlarks are known for their lovely, flute-like songs often delivered from fence posts or telephone lines. Their call is a distinctive low-pitched “chupp” sound. In terms of behavior, Meadowlarks are ground foragers where they walk or run instead of hopping. They utilize a combination of pecking and probing actions to catch insects in the ground or grasses.
8. Conservation Status
Both species of Meadowlark are currently marked as “least concern” according to the IUCN Red List. However, their populations have seen significant decline due to loss of grasslands.
9. Lifespan
Meadowlarks can live up to 10 years in the wild, although an average lifespan is closer to 5-6 years. In captivity, they can live slightly longer if given the right conditions.
10. Additional Notes
Locally, Meadowlarks are also known as field larks or grasshopper birds. They play a significant role in controlling insect populations in their habitats. In several Native American cultures, the Meadowlark’s song is considered a symbol of friendship and peace. These birds are also the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming, and their image has been used on US postage stamps.
