The Western Meadowlark is the official state bird of Kansas. This medium-sized songbird belongs to the blackbird family and is known for its distinctive yellow breast and melodious song. Let’s take a closer look at why the western meadowlark was chosen and what makes it special.
Key Takeaways
- The state bird of Kansas is the Western Meadowlark, which was designated in 1937.
- The Western Meadowlark is also the state bird of Nebraska and Wyoming.
- It is a medium-sized songbird with vibrant yellow plumage and a distinct black V-shaped collar on its chest.
- This bird symbolizes resilience and adaptability, as it thrives in open country landscapes and overcomes challenges.
The Western Meadowlark: Official State Bird of Kansas
The western meadowlark was designated the official state bird of Kansas in 1937. This decision was made after a statewide vote conducted by the Kansas Ornithological Society.
Prior to the vote, a number of birds were nominated, including the northern cardinal, bluebird, and bobwhite quail. However, the western meadowlark emerged as the clear winner due to its prevalence across the state.
At the time, the western meadowlark was viewed as emblematic of the Kansas prairie and grasslands. Its sweet song and bright plumage seemed to capture the spirit of the state. The designation highlighted the cultural and ecological importance of this prairie songbird.
Identification of Western Meadowlark
The western meadowlark is a medium-sized bird measuring approximately 7-10 inches in length with a wingspan of 16 inches.
Some key identification features include:
- Yellow breast: Adult western meadowlarks have a bright yellow breast and belly. The yellow coloring extends up to the throat.
- Black “V” on chest: There is a distinctive black V-shaped band across the upper chest.
- White outer tail feathers: The outer tail feathers are mostly white. This is visible during flight.
- Brown back: The back and wings are mostly brown, with some black streaks. The brown helps provide camouflage in prairie grass.
- Conical bill: The bill is short, pointed, and cone-shaped. This aids in eating seeds and insects.
The male and female western meadowlarks appear nearly identical. Juveniles have a paler yellow breast and streakier plumage.
Song and Calls
The western meadowlark is named for its beautiful and complex song. Its most common song consists of a series of high-pitched, whistled notes ending in a melodious warble. The song often begins with several distinctive whistles and ends with a complex, flute-like warble.
Some compare the song to the opening phrase “spring of the year.” The male western meadowlark uses this song to mark its breeding territory and attract potential mates. Females may also sing, but not as frequently as males.
In addition to its song, the western meadowlark has various calls used to communicate different messages:
- Chatter call – Harsh rapid notes given in alarm or excitement. Sounds like “chit-chit-chit-chit.”
- Squeak call – A high-pitched descending note, often given in flight.
- Courtship call – A mix of gurgles, whistles, and warbles.
Habitat and Range
The western meadowlark inhabits open grasslands across much of western North America. In Kansas, it is found statewide in areas such as prairies, fields, meadows, and roadsides.
Some key habitat features this species prefers:
- Short vegetation – Prefers areas with short grasses, sparse vegetation, and few shrubs. Dense vegetation obscures vision and movement.
- Bare ground – Requires patches of bare ground to search for food.
- Elevated perches – Uses fences, posts, small shrubs, and mounds to perch and sing.
The western meadowlark has a large range extending from Alberta to Mexico. However, the core of its breeding range is on the Great Plains grasslands. Kansas sits squarely within this core region.
Diet
Western meadowlarks are omnivores, feeding on both plant and animal material. Their diet consists mainly of seeds and insects.
Some common food sources include:
- Seeds of grasses and weeds
- Grains such as wheat or corn
- Berries and fruits
- Beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars
- Spiders
- Snails
This versatile diet allows western meadowlarks to adapt to different grassland habitats. They typically forage while walking along the ground, using their conical bill to pick up food items.
Mating & Nesting Behaviour
Now, let’s take a closer look at the amting and nesting behaviour of the western meadowlark:
- Males are polygynous, meaning they mate with multiple females. Usually with 2 females per breeding season.
- Males arrive before females on the breeding grounds to establish a territory. They sing and display from perches to attract mates.
- Displays include flying upward while singing then descending slowly with wings spread. Also puffing out chest to show black “V”.
- Once paired, the male and female work together to build a nest on the ground concealed by vegetation.
- The female does most of the nest building using grasses and lining it with softer materials.
- The female lays 3-6 eggs that she incubates for 13-16 days until hatching.
- The female does most of the incubating and brooding of young while the male helps feed them.
- Young fledge from the nest at 9-12 days old. Parents care for them for about 2 more weeks.
- May raise 2-3 broods per breeding season. Nests are sometimes parasitized by cowbirds.
- Males keep watch and defend the nesting territory from intruders to protect mate and offspring.
Threats and Conservation
The western meadowlark remains a common and widespread bird, but has faced population declines in some regions due to habitat loss. Conversion of native prairies to cropland has reduced nesting habitat.
Some current conservation efforts focus on:
- Protection and restoration of remaining prairie fragments
- Promoting range management practices that maintain suitable vegetation structure
- Creation of CRP grasslands on marginal croplands
- Reducing pesticide use which reduces insect prey
- Public education campaigns
Individuals can help by keeping grassy areas mowed infrequently, planting native grasses, and avoiding pesticide overuse. Maintaining healthy prairie ecosystems will ensure the melodious song of the western meadowlark continues across Kansas.
Cultural Significance
As the state bird of Kansas, the western meadowlark is intertwined with the state’s culture and heritage. It has been the subject of songs, poems, children’s books, and more.
The meadowlark’s song evokes the spirit of the prairies for many Kansans. Hearing its melody brings a sense of home. The bird’s bright plumage and cheerful song are a source of state pride.
Some of the many ways the western meadowlark is featured in Kansas culture include:
- State symbols – Appears on the Kansas state flag and seal
- School mascots – Used as the mascot for schools and sports teams
- Literature – Subject of poems and books by Kansas authors
- Music – Inspiration for songs and band names
By naming the western meadowlark as state bird in 1937, Kansans recognized the cultural and ecological significance of this prairie songbird. It remains a state symbol today, singing proudly from grasslands statewide.
10 Amazing Facts about State bird of Kansas
Here are 10 amazing facts about the western meadowlark, the state bird of Kansas:
- It has a beautiful, melodic song that sounds like a flute. Males sing to attract mates and defend territories.
- The western meadowlark is the state bird of 6 U.S. states – Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming.
- They build cup-shaped nests on the ground that are woven from grasses and cleverly concealed in vegetation.
- It is well-adapted to prairie habitats and feeds on seeds, grains, insects, and berries.
- Males perform flight displays, flying up singing then slowly descending with wings spread, to impress females.
- Population numbers have declined due to habitat loss. Conservation efforts are in place that focus on protecting native grasslands.
- The western meadowlark remains culturally significant, featured in school mascots, literature, songs, and more across Kansas.
- The western meadowlark has a very large range that spans over 1.5 million square miles across western North America. Yet the core of its breeding range is focused on the Great Plains grasslands region.
- Nesting success can fluctuate year to year from 30% in poor conditions up to 60% in ideal habitat and weather.
- Western meadowlarks help control insect pest populations on grasslands. A single meadowlark can consume thousands of harmful insects like grasshoppers or cutworms during the breeding season.
Wrapping Up
With its melodious song ringing across Kansas prairies, it is easy to see why the western meadowlark was chosen as the state bird. This bright songbird is a familiar resident, nesting in grasslands statewide. The western meadowlark reflects the natural heritage of Kansas through its close association with the prairies. This iconic bird will continue inspiring future generations with its beauty and song.
FAQs about the Western Meadowlark
What does the western meadowlark look like?
The western meadowlark is a medium-sized songbird, about 7-10 inches long. It has a bright yellow breast and belly, with a black V-shaped band across the chest. The back and wings are mostly brown with black streaks. It has a short pointed bill and a long tail with white outer feathers visible during flight.
Where is the western meadowlark found?
The western meadowlark inhabits open grasslands and prairies across western North America. In Kansas, it can be found statewide in habitats like fields, meadows, roadsides, and grassy areas.
What does the western meadowlark’s song sound like?
The western meadowlark has a beautiful, flute-like song. It starts with a few whistled notes and ends in a melodious warble. The male sings from an elevated perch to mark territory and attract mates.
What does the western meadowlark eat?
The western meadowlark is an omnivore, eating both plant and animal material. Its diet includes seeds, grains, insects, spiders, and berries. It forages on the ground using its cone-shaped bill.
Why are western meadowlark populations declining?
Habitat loss from prairie conversion, as well as pesticide use reducing insect prey, have caused declines of western meadowlark in some regions.
How can I attract western meadowlarks to my yard?
Provide open grassy spaces with native grasses and scattered shrubs. Minimize mowing and pesticide use. Meadowlarks may visit seed and suet feeders placed in open areas.