The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is a medium-sized blackbird found in grasslands across western North America. It is the state bird of 6 states: Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming. In this article, we will explore which states have the Western Meadowlark and provide some background information on this iconic grassland songbird.
Western Meadowlark Range and Habitat
The Western Meadowlark has a large range across western North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Its breeding habitat consists of open grasslands including prairies, meadows, fields, and pastures. It winters in open habitats across the southern U.S. and Mexico.
Some key details about the Western Meadowlark’s range and habitat:
- Breeds from southern British Columbia to Manitoba, south to Baja California, northwest Mexico, and central Texas
- Winters from southern Canada south across most of the U.S. into Mexico
- Prefers grasslands and prairies with dense, tall vegetation interspersed with bare ground
- Also found in meadows, agricultural areas, desert grasslands
- Avoids forests, woodlands, and urban areas
The Western Meadowlark’s extensive range and common presence across prairies and grasslands make it a symbol of the prairie ecosystems of North America’s interior. Its loud, melodious song is a classic sound of spring and summer on the prairies.
Appearance and Behavior
The Western Meadowlark is a medium-sized blackbird, about 8-10 inches in length. It has a stocky, sharp-tailed body shape typical of meadowlarks and other icterids.
Some key identification features include:
- Yellow underparts with a black “V” shaped breastband
- White outer tail feathers
- Long, pointed bill
- Brown upperparts with white and black streaks
- Distinctive white malar stripe (“mustache”) and yellow cheek patch
The Western Meadowlark walks on the ground while foraging. It eats mainly insects and seeds. Major prey includes beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, ants, and seeds of grasses and weeds.
This bird is best known for its beautiful song, a series of high-pitched, whistled notes ending in a melodious warble. The male sings from fenceposts and other perches to defend its breeding territory and attract females.
States with the Western Meadowlark
According to data from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Western Meadowlark is confirmed present year-round or seasonally in 11 U.S. states. Here are the states with the highest populations and most frequent sightings:
Kansas
The Western Meadowlark is the official state bird of Kansas. It is common and widespread across the state year-round. Kansas is at the center of this bird’s breeding range on the Great Plains.
Montana
The Western Meadowlark is also the state bird of Montana. Suitable grassland habitat covers much of the state. Montana represents the northwestern part of the species’ breeding range.
Nebraska
This bird is abundant on the prairies and plains of Nebraska during the spring and summer. Huge expanses of grasslands in the state provide ideal habitat. The Western Meadowlark is Nebraska’s state bird.
North Dakota
Grasslands across North Dakota support large summer populations of breeding Western Meadowlarks. Unplowed native prairie tracts offer the habitat this species prefers. It is also North Dakota’s state bird.
Oregon
The Western Meadowlark can be found in appropriate habitat across much of Oregon. Grasslands in the eastern and central areas of the state have highest concentrations. Oregon’s state bird is the Western Meadowlark.
South Dakota
Healthy grasslands across South Dakota provide habitat for the Western Meadowlark during the nesting season. Highest densities occur in the western half of the state.
Texas
The Western Meadowlark is common in north and central Texas, especially during spring and fall migration. Grasslands and prairies in these areas provide key stopover sites.
Wyoming
Wyoming represents the north-central part of the meadowlark’s range. Open grasslands across the eastern part of the state offer breeding habitat. The Western Meadowlark is one of Wyoming’s state birds.
Other States
The Western Meadowlark also has seasonal or limited presence in Colorado, New Mexico, and South Dakota during migration or breeding season. Scattered populations may persist in grassland areas if habitat is available.
Key Facts and Summary
To summarize key information on states with the Western Meadowlark:
- The Western Meadowlark is the state bird of 6 U.S. states: Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming.
- It is a year-round resident in the center of its range including Kansas, Nebraska, and eastern Montana.
- The highest breeding populations occur across the Great Plains and intermountain West.
- Grasslands and prairies provide the preferred open habitat for this species.
- Other states with seasonal or limited presence include Colorado, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Texas.
- The meadowlark’s loud, melodic song is a classic sound of summer on the prairies.
In summary, the Western Meadowlark has the most consistent presence as a breeder in six Great Plains states that also recognize it as their state bird. Healthy grassland habitat allows this species to thrive across much of its range. The meadowlark remains an iconic prairie bird and will continue brightening grassland landscapes with its beautiful song.
Western Meadowlark State Map
State | Presence |
---|---|
Kansas | State bird; Present year-round |
Montana | State bird; Present spring-fall |
Nebraska | State bird; Present year-round |
North Dakota | State bird; Present spring-fall |
Oregon | State bird; Present year-round |
South Dakota | Present spring-fall |
Texas | Present spring-fall |
Wyoming | State bird; Present spring-fall |
This table summarizes the status and seasonal presence of the Western Meadowlark in the main states within its range. The six states that designate it as their official state bird have the highest breeding populations and year-round presence. Other states like South Dakota and Texas host migrants and smaller breeding numbers during spring and summer.
Conclusion
The Western Meadowlark holds a special place as an iconic grassland bird of the American prairies. As the state bird of six Great Plains states, it epitomizes the natural heritage of the heartland. Healthy native grassland habitats allow its populations to remain stable across much of its range. The meadowlark’s beautiful song and bright plumage will hopefully continue gracing prairie landscapes for generations to come. Protecting grasslands and meadows will be key to preserving this special bird in the future.