Western meadowlark

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Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta

Blackbird (Icteridae) Family: Medium-to-large sized songbirds. Have strong direct flight, long heavy, pointed bills. Diverse group that includes orioles and blackbirds.

ID Features: pale grey/brown overall, 9.5 inches length (bill tip to tail), bright yellow underparts (often veiled in fall).

Habitat: Common in shrub-steppe & grasslands.

Description:

  • Short tail with white sides to outer upper tail features-visible in flight
  • Black Breast “V”
  • Whitish flanks
  • Long legs

Photo source http://www.pbase.com/rodg/icterids Used with permission of photographer Rod Gilbert

Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta