Friday 16 August 2024

Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Sturnella (diminutive of sturnus - starling) neglecta ("overlooked")


Juvenile Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) at Sully Creek State Park, North Dakota - July 2024


Featured Subspecies: Sturnella neglecta neglecta
Weight: 88-116g  /  Length: 16-26cm  /  Wingspan: 41cm
NO UK STATUS IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Arguably the most characteristic bird species of the Great Plains, the Western Meadowlark was probably the species I was seeing most regularly in the stretch of the journey between Fargo and Edmonton. Despite the name, it isn't related to Old World Larks, and instead is more technically a New World Blackbird. The differences between it and the Eastern Meadowlark are very subtle, but our journey mostly took place where only Western is present.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Icteridae
Genus: Sturnella
SUBSPECIES: S. n. neglecta, S. n. confluenta

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA - A very common species on the plains
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Very common from the border to around Edmonton.

UNITED STATES - Widely distribtued West of the Great Lakes
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: One of the most common species seen in North Dakota and Montanna

 Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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