The Western Meadowlark is a medium-sized songbird found in grasslands across western North America. While still relatively common in some areas, its numbers have declined significantly in recent decades, leading some to question if it is becoming rare.
Overview of the Western Meadowlark
The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is a striking bird with bright yellow underparts and a black V-shaped band across its bright yellow chest. The rest of its plumage is various shades of brown with white outer tail feathers that are visible during flight. Adults range from 7 to 11 inches in length with a wingspan of 13 to 16 inches.
This species is widely distributed across western North America from the western Great Plains west to the Pacific Coast and southwest through Mexico. Its breeding range stretches from southern Canada south through most of the western half of the United States. Northern populations migrate south for the winter, while birds in the southwest part of the range are often permanent residents.
The Western Meadowlark inhabits open grasslands including native prairies, meadows, agricultural fields, desert grasslands, and coastal plains. It avoids wooded areas preferring habitats with tall grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Meadowlarks often can be seen singing from fence posts and wires as they advertise their breeding territories.
Populations Appear to Be Declining
While still a widespread and common species across parts of its range, Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data suggest that Western Meadowlark populations have decreased significantly since the 1960s. According to the most recent North American Breeding Bird Survey results, surveys indicate a 3.1% annual decline in Western Meadowlark populations from 1966 to 2015. The estimated total population loss during this period is 68%.
The following table summarizes the trend results from the Breeding Bird Survey:
Time Period | Annual Decline Rate | Total Population Change |
---|---|---|
1966-2015 | 3.1% per year | -68% |
This steep decline in numbers has resulted in the Western Meadowlark being designated as a Common Bird in Steep Decline by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative. It has also been placed on Audubon’s Yellow WatchList, which identifies bird species in need of urgent conservation attention.
Why Western Meadowlark Populations Are Declining
The specific causes behind the decline in Western Meadowlark numbers are not entirely clear but likely involve a combination of factors:
- Loss of grassland habitat – Plowing of native prairie for agriculture and development of open areas has greatly reduced available meadowlark habitat.
- Changing agricultural practices – Increases in crop field size, earlier hay mowing, and use of pesticides may have reduced nesting success.
- Climate change – May stress birds during breeding season and alter habitat.
- High mortality – Meadowlarks have limited mobility and high juvenile mortality.
Habitat loss is likely the largest driver of declines. Western Meadowlarks require adequate space and grassland habitats are being lost and fragmented at a rapid rate across North America. Without sufficient suitable breeding habitat, populations decline. Maintaining large tracts of uncultivated, natural grasslands will be key for restoring Western Meadowlark numbers.
Loss of Native Prairie Habitat
Native prairie and grassland habitats have declined by an estimated 79% since European settlement. Most losses were due conversion to agricultural cropland. Western Meadowlarks rely on expansive prairie and grasslands and do not breed in heavily wooded areas or forest edges.
Changes to Agriculture
Modern agriculture practices have reduced meadowlark breeding success. Larger crop fields provide less edge habitat. Earlier and more frequent hay mowing destroys nests and young that have not yet fledged. Greater use of pesticides reduces food availability.
Climate Change Stresses
Increasing temperatures and changes to precipitation patterns may negatively impact breeding meadowlarks. Hot weather can kill adults, eggs, and nestlings. Altered rainfall make decrease plant food sources.
High Mortality
Meadowlarks have limited mobility and high juvenile mortality with 70% or more of young dying within the first year. Their ground nests are vulnerable to predators and farming machinery. The high annual loss of adult birds compounds population declines.
Conservation Status and Protection Varies
Legal protection and conservation priority for the Western Meadowlark varies across its range:
- Has no federal threatened/endangered species status in the U.S.
- Listed as threatened/endangered in some U.S. states including New Mexico, Washington, and Oregon.
- Provincially listed as threatened/endangered in some Canadian provinces.
- Considered a Species of Concern by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in many states.
- Classified as a Common Bird in Steep Decline by Partners in Flight.
While not currently federally protected, the steep population declines and habitat threats have led some individual states/provinces to designate the Western Meadowlark as threatened/endangered. Conservation groups have also identified it as being a species of high concern in need of habitat protection and management.
Outlook Depends on Habitat Conservation
The outlook for the Western Meadowlark depends greatly on habitat conservation efforts across its breeding range. Maintaining large areas of intact grasslands will provide its best chance for stabilization and recovery of populations. Specific conservation actions that could benefit the species include:
- Protection of remaining native prairies and grasslands.
- Sustainable grazing practices on rangeland.
- Adding bird friendly practices to agriculture.
- Careful use of pesticides and mowing in grasslands.
- Restoration of grasslands on marginal cropland.
With the loss of over two-thirds of its population in five decades, the Western Meadowlark clearly faces conservation challenges. But with strong habitat management it remains well distributed across parts of its historical range. Protecting grasslands and meadows where it breeds will be the key to stabilizing and hopefully restoring Western Meadowlark populations to healthier levels.
Conclusion
The Western Meadowlark was once an abundant, iconic songbird of western grasslands. But Breeding Bird Survey data over the past 50 years reveals significant declines in its numbers likely driven by habitat loss. While the specific causes of the declines are not fully clear, the loss and alteration of native prairies and grasslands appears the primary threat. This medium-sized meadowlark requires large open spaces to breed successfully. Conservation efforts focused on protection of remaining grassland habitats will be crucial to stabilizing Western Meadowlark populations. Though still relatively widespread, the precipitous decline of this species highlights the risks faced by grassland bird species and the need for management approaches that maintain suitable breeding habitat across their range.