Life List 057
Visually documented
Western Meadowlark
Sturnella neglecta
- First photographed
- June 2, 2026
- First location
- Colorado, United States
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
An evolving study
Western Meadowlark portfolio
This collection grows as I return to photograph new behavior, habitat, seasons, and stages of life.
Natural history
Species at a glance
Sturnella neglecta
Overview
The Western Meadowlark is an open-country songbird celebrated for its clear, flute-like song. It walks through grass while probing the soil and often sings from fence posts and other low exposed perches.
Identification
Bright yellow underparts crossed by a black V, brown streaked upperparts, white outer tail feathers, and a long pointed bill. The yellow extends onto the malar area, helping separate it from Eastern Meadowlark.
Range
Breeds across western and central North America from southern Canada through the United States and into Mexico. Northern birds move south in winter, while many southern birds remain resident.
Habitat
Prairie, pasture, hayfields, sagebrush openings, desert grassland, airports, and lightly cultivated country with low vegetation.
Diet
Insects and other invertebrates during the warmer months, with seeds and waste grain increasingly important in winter.
Photography by Brittany Templin
Bring the story of the Western Meadowlark into your project or space.
Continue exploring
Related encounters
023
Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
073
Brown-headed Cowbird
Molothrus ater
063
Bullock’s Oriole
Icterus bullockii