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Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: ICTERIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Western Meadowlark Photo

© D. Robert Franz/CLO

An abundant and familiar bird of open country across the western two-thirds of the continent, the Western Meadowlark is beloved for its melodic song. It is frequently seen singing atop fenceposts along roadsides in native grassland and agricultural areas.

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Appearance

Blackbirdlike
Blackbirdlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large, stocky songbird with a short tail.
  • Throat, chest, and belly yellow.
  • Black "V" across chest.
  • Back brown and streaked.
  • Outer tail feathers white.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but with head stripes less sharp, paler overall, and with dusky spots or flecks on chest instead of black V.

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Western Meadowlark Range Map
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Similar Species

  • Eastern Meadowlark extremely similar, but darker, with thicker black barring on wings and tail feathers, and mostly white mustache stripe beside the yellow throat instead of yellow up to the face. Songs and calls different, with the song of the Eastern Meadowlark being more simple and less musical.