The Western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is a medium-sized icterid bird. It nests on the ground in open grasslands across western and central North America. The Western meadowlark is the state bird of six states: Montana, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming.
Western meadowlark adults have yellow underparts with a black "V" on the breast and white flanks streaked with black. Their upper parts are mostly brown, but also have black streaks. These birds have long, pointed bills and their heads are striped with light brown and black bands.
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Western meadowlarks occur across western and central North America. They are permanent residents throughout much of their range. Northern birds may migrate to the southern parts of their range; some birds also move east in the southern United States. Western meadowlarks inhabit grasslands, prairies, pastures, and abandoned fields.
Outside of the breeding season, Western meadowlarks typically spend time singly but may sometimes form small flocks, especially in winter. They are active during daylight hours foraging on the ground or in low to semi-low vegetation. They sometimes search for food by probing with their bills. Western meadowlarks have a flute-like warbled song that contrasts with the simple, whistled call of the Eastern meadowlark.
Western meadowlarks have carnivorous (insectivorous) and herbivorous (granivorous) diet. They mainly eat insects, and seeds and will also consume berries.
Western meadowlarks are polygynous and males usually mate with two females during the breeding season. The nest is built by the female soon after arrival on the breeding grounds. The nest is placed in a concealed location on the ground. It is variable in form and ranges from a simple cup to a partially roofed structure with a runway extending from the nest entrance. The clutch consists of 5 to 6 eggs that have brownish spots and blotches on a white ground and are incubated by the female for 13-15 days. The young are altricial and nearly naked; their eyes are closed until the 4th day. Only the female broods the chicks. The nestlings are almost exclusively fed insects. The male brings food to the nest which is then usually fed to the chicks by the female. The young fledge at 10-12 days but begin to fly at around 21 days. The young receive parental care for around 2 weeks after fledging.
Western meadowlarks are not threatened at present but the population is declining due to the loss of grassland habitat and the use of pesticides.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Western meadowlark total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing.
