Declaring Territory
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
In full breeding plumage and singing, this male is getting ready for nesting.
“The buoyant, flutelike melody of the Western Meadowlark ringing out across a field can brighten anyone’s day. Meadowlarks are often more easily heard than seen, unless you spot a male singing from a fence post. This colorful member of the blackbird family flashes a vibrant yellow breast crossed by a distinctive, black, V-shaped band. Look and listen for these stout ground feeders in grasslands, meadows, pastures, and along marsh edges throughout the West and Midwest, where flocks strut and feed on seeds and insects….. The nest of the Western Meadowlark usually is partially covered by a grass roof. It may be completely open, however, or it may have a complete roof and an entrance tunnel several feet long….. The oldest recorded Western Meadowlark was at least 6 years, 6 months old when it was found in Colorado.”
Status : Least Concern
Source : Cornell University Lab of Ornithology
Jackson County – Oregon - USA
Declaring Territory
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
In full breeding plumage and singing, this male is getting ready for nesting.
“The buoyant, flutelike melody of the Western Meadowlark ringing out across a field can brighten anyone’s day. Meadowlarks are often more easily heard than seen, unless you spot a male singing from a fence post. This colorful member of the blackbird family flashes a vibrant yellow breast crossed by a distinctive, black, V-shaped band. Look and listen for these stout ground feeders in grasslands, meadows, pastures, and along marsh edges throughout the West and Midwest, where flocks strut and feed on seeds and insects….. The nest of the Western Meadowlark usually is partially covered by a grass roof. It may be completely open, however, or it may have a complete roof and an entrance tunnel several feet long….. The oldest recorded Western Meadowlark was at least 6 years, 6 months old when it was found in Colorado.”
Status : Least Concern
Source : Cornell University Lab of Ornithology
Jackson County – Oregon - USA