western meadowlark

The western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is a bird native to western North America. It belongs to the genus Sturnella within the family Icteridae.12

These plump birds, measuring 20 to 28 cm (8 to 11 inches) in length, are streaked brown on their upper bodies. They feature a yellow breast marked by a black V-shape and a short tail with noticeable white outer feathers. While visually similar to the eastern meadowlark, the western meadowlark has a more complex, fluting song, whereas the eastern meadowlark has a simpler four-note whistle. Their diet consists of insects during the summer and weed seeds in the fall and winter. They build their nests, which are grass domes, hidden in fields.2