Sturnella
neglecta
(Western Meadowlark)
Physical
Description:
8 1/2-11" (22-28 cm).
Adults have long, pointed bill; head striped with black and white; cheek yellow;
throat and underparts mostly bright yellow with striking black V on breast.
Similar Species- Eastern Meadowlark
Song:
Distinct, 7-10 note flute-like
song that ends with approximately 3 descending notes.
Distribution:
Breeds from central British
Columbia and central Alberta, east to southern Ontario, northern Michigan, and
northwestern Ohio, and south to Baja California, central mainland of Mexico,
central Texas and Louisiana. Winters from south- central Canada to central Mexico,
and east to Gulf Coast and Florida.
Habitat:
Found in grasslands, shrub steppe
, savannas, and cultivated
fields and pastures. Summers in grasslands and valleys, but may also be found
in foothills and open mountain areas (up to 2500 m in California). A study conducted
in southwestern Idaho determined that landscape-level features did not influence
the distribution of meadowlarks.
Diet:
Approximately 65- 70% of diet
consists of small invertebrates such as beetles, cutworms, caterpillars, grasshoppers,
spiders, sow bugs, and snails. Will also eat some grains and seeds.
Ecology:
Builds cup-shaped nest on ground.
Forages on ground. One study estimated home range size at 4-13 ha. found in
flocks of 10-75 birds in winter. Predators include hawks, crows, skunks, weasels,
raccoons, and coyotes.
3-7 eggs (usually 5),
for 13-15 days. Nestlings are tended by both parents, leave nest in about 12 days,
and are fed by parents for 2 additional weeks.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABPBXB2030 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S5,NTMB |
| National Rank: | N5 |
Important
State References:
Knick, S.T. and J.T. Rotenberry.
1995. Landscape characterization of fragmented shrubsteppe habitats in breeding
passerines. Conser. Biology 9:1059-1071.