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Selah, WA
$0.65
Title
The Meadowlark Sings
Artist
Jeff Swan
Medium
Photograph - Photgraph
Description
The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is a medium-sized icterid bird, about 8.5 in (22 cm) long. It nests on the ground in open country in western and central North America. It feeds mostly on insects, but also seeds and berries. It has distinctive calls described as watery or flute-like, which distinguish it from the closely related Eastern Meadowlark.
Adults have yellow underparts, with a black "V" on the breast, and white flanks which are streaked with black. Their upper parts are mostly brown, but also have black streaks. These birds have long pointed bills and their heads are striped with light brown and black.
Their breeding habitats are grasslands, prairies, pastures, and abandoned fields, all of which may be found from across western and central North America to northern Mexico. Where their range overlaps with the eastern species, these birds prefer thinner, drier vegetation; the two types of birds generally do not interbreed but do defend territory against one another. Their nests are situated on the ground, and are covered with a roof woven from grass. There may be more than one nesting female in a male's territory. Their nests are sometimes destroyed by mowing operations with eggs and young in them.
Western Meadowlarks will interbreed with Eastern Meadowlarks where their ranges overlap; however, resulting young appear to have low fertility.[2]
Western Meadowlarks are permanent residents throughout much of their range. Northern birds may migrate to the southern parts of their range; some birds also move east in the southern United States.
These birds forage on the ground or in low to semi-low vegetation. They sometimes search for food by probing with their bills. They mainly eat insects, although they will devour seeds and berries. In winter, these birds often feed in flocks.
These birds have a flute-like warbled song. These calls contrast with the simple, whistled call of the Eastern Meadowlark.
These two species were considered to be the same species for some time; the western species, having been overlooked for some time, was given the species name neglecta.
This is the state bird of Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon and Wyoming. Only the Northern Cardinal is the state bird of more states.
Uploaded
August 30th, 2011
Statistics
Viewed 3,588 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/18/2024 at 2:28 PM
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Sales Sheet
Stuart, FL - United States
I appreciated seeing this fine image and with the naming of the species, it is now featured on the home page of Wild Birds Of The World - A Nature Photography Group. L/F
Montreal, Qc - Canada
Congratulations you have been featured on the homepage of the group, the FAA Gallery Home For All Artists Who Create.
Lawrence, KS - United States
I've never seen such a beautiful portrait of my favorite bird with the most wondrous song! This is beautiful, Jeff. Thank you. f/v
Wheaton, IL - United States
Gorgeous image of this Meadowlark. super detail, clarity and color! fav vtd G+
Phoenix, AZ - United States
What a cheerful treat this image is! Thanks for adding it to the "Art For Hurricane Sandy Relief" group! V
Tomball, TX - United States
So pretty. Excellent shot too. They seem to favor fence post or is it they just want to get high? Another one of my favorite birds.
Green Lane, PA - United States
We hear so much about their song; you've captured their beauty:>) Lovely! Fav
Tomball, TX - United States
Wonderful capture. They do tend to like to get on top of fence post to sing dont they.
Anderson, CA - United States
This is spectacular work Jeff; beautiful dof, awesome color and contrasts - perfect clarity and fine detail!
Mena, AR - United States
Wonderful.. all we need is the sound track http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e86WFihFXa0&feature=related
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