birdandhike.com logo
Home | Wildlife | Birds | Songbird Family
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Birds Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Western Meadowlark in breeding plumage on Joshua Tree

General Description: Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta) are chunky birds of fields and prairies with yellow front and belly, black bib on the yellow front. The back is mottled, and they have a long, pointed bill. They also have dark and light head stripes, a bit of yellow in front of the eye, and white outer tail feathers. Sexes alike. Bright colors fade during the non-breeding season.

Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Icteridae.

Favored Habitat: Open flat areas such grassy prairies. In winter, open deserts.

Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Western Meadowlark in winter plumage on a golf course

Where to Find: Western Meadowlarks aren't easy to find around Las Vegas. Keep an eye out during winter while traveling in the lower deserts. Occasionally found along the edges of golf courses and similar areas.

Comments: Meadowlarks are gregarious, so if you see one, look for others.

Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) If you were a tasty bug or a little seed, this might be the last face you ever see!
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Western Meadowlark in breeding plumage
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Western Meadowlark in breeding plumage
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Western Meadowlark during early spring putting on summer plumage
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Western Meadowlark during early spring putting on summer plumage
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Western Meadowlark in winter plumage
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Western Meadowlark in winter plumage
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
During winter, notice the mottled back and three head stripes
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
This bird looks like it is about to do a back flop off the wire
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Western Meadowlark on a prairie-dog-grazed prairie (West Texas)
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Western Meadowlark in winter plumage

Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
copyright; Last updated 240126

Songbirds Birds Around Las Vegas Wildlife Around Las Vegas Glossary Copyright, Conditions, Disclaimer Home
Google Ads