Birds of North America
Puzzle 25 · Grasslands and Open Country · Page 43 in print
Western Meadowlark
A Western Meadowlark can push its closed bill into the soil and pry it open. This feeding technique exposes hidden insects and seeds.
Jump to a word
The words
Black Chevron
The black V-shaped mark on the breast.
Cow Hoofprint
A small cattle footprint can provide the depression for a nest.
Cutworms
Insect larvae eaten by Western Meadowlarks.
Dirt Clods
Lumps of earth that the bird probes or searches for food.
Flat Head
The flat-headed shape described in identification.
Gaping
A feeding action in which the meadowlark opens its bill within soil to expose food.
Grass Stems
Grass material forms part of the woven nest.
Ground Nest
The female builds her nest at ground level among vegetation.
Jump Flight
A display by males competing over territorial boundaries, springing upward with fluttering wings.
Manure Pile
A feeding site where the bird searches for insects.
Meadows
Open grassy habitat used by Western Meadowlarks.
Nest Runways
Short grassy paths made by parents approaching the nest.
Pursuit Flight
Flight used when a male chases an intruding male from his territory.
Weed Seeds
Seeds of wild plants eaten especially in fall.
Yellow Throat
The species has a conspicuous yellow throat.
Sources
- Western Meadowlark: IdentificationCornell Lab of Ornithology
- Western Meadowlark: Life HistoryCornell Lab of Ornithology