Western Meadowlark

Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is in the New World Blackbirds and Orioles family (Icteridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 26,409 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: spring and fall migrant. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Western Meadowlark: observations by month (U.S.)

About Western Meadowlark

The western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is a medium-sized icterid bird, about 8.5 in (22 cm) in length. It nests on the ground in open grasslands across western and central North America. It feeds mostly on insects, but will also feed on seeds and berries. The western meadowlark has distinctive calls described as watery or flute-like, which distinguish it from the closely related eastern meadowlark.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Western Meadowlark by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (New World Blackbirds and Orioles)

Red-winged BlackbirdAgelaius phoeniceus

Great-tailed GrackleQuiscalus mexicanus

Brown-headed CowbirdMolothrus ater

Common GrackleQuiscalus quiscula

Baltimore OrioleIcterus galbula

Brewer's BlackbirdEuphagus cyanocephalus

Boat-tailed GrackleQuiscalus major

Hooded OrioleIcterus cucullatus

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ