Wyoming designated the western meadowlark (Sturnella Neglecta) as official state bird in 1927. It is a common songbird of open prairie country across the western two-thirds of the North American continent.

In the same family as blackbirds and orioles, western meadowlark adults are 8-11 inches long and have a black and white striped head, a long sharp bill, with a yellow breast and a distinctive black “V” shape on the breast. This beautiful bird sings its flute-like song on fence posts in grasslands and agricultural areas.

This bird forages on the ground and soil for insects, grains, and seeds. They nest on the ground and females lay four to six eggs that are white speckled and reddish brown.

Western meadowlark predators include hawks, crows, skunks, coyotes, raccoons, and weasels. Western meadowlarks are still abundant, but declining throughout their range; they are a protected non-game species.

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