Wyoming State Bird: Western Meadowlark
Fact-checked • Updated January 15, 2025
Wyoming State Bird – Western Meadowlark
Wyoming adopted the Western Meadowlark as its official state bird on February 5, 1927. The legislature designated the bird as meadowlark, specifying genus Sturnella. Grace Raymond Hebard championed the cause. She served as a University of Wyoming professor and board of trustees member. State Senator Dr. Robert Hale of Thermopolis carried legislation to Cheyenne. Both chambers passed the bill without opposition. Wyoming became the first of six states to select this grassland songbird.
Why Wyoming Chose This Bird
Farmers valued meadowlarks for pest control. The birds ate beetles, cutworms, caterpillars, grasshoppers, spiders, and snails. These insects formed 65 to 70 percent of the diet. Agricultural damage dropped in areas where meadowlarks nested. Natural pest management required no chemicals or cost to growers.
Flute-like warbles carried across Wyoming prairies. Males perched on fence posts throughout the breeding season. Bright yellow breasts with black V patterns made identification simple. Grasslands from border to border hosted breeding pairs. Residents recognized the species from daily encounters in open country.
Legislative History
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First State Selection
Wyoming led six states in adopting the Western Meadowlark. The legislature voted on February 5, 1927. Oregon followed five months later. Nebraska selected the bird in 1929, Montana in 1931, Kansas in 1937, and North Dakota in 1947. Wyoming missed being the nation's first state bird designation by just five days. Texas crowned the mockingbird on January 31, 1927.
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Legislative Specificity
The legislature designated genus Sturnella rather than species Sturnella neglecta. This technical precision distinguished Wyoming's statute from other states. All seven meadowlark species fall under genus Sturnella. Since Western Meadowlarks populate Wyoming exclusively, the distinction carries little practical weight. State statutes include this unique classification approach.
What This Bird Represents
Grassland Identity
Open country defines Wyoming landscapes. Prairies, meadows, and agricultural fields stretch across the state. Western Meadowlarks adapted perfectly to these habitats. Ground nesting in grass depressions suited available terrain. The bird became inseparable from Wyoming's grassland character.
Spring Herald
Flute-like calls announce spring arrival. Males return in April or May to establish breeding territories. Song carries across open fields before most vegetation emerges. This seasonal timing connected the bird to renewal. Winter flocks disperse as breeding pairs form. The transformation marks changing seasons across Wyoming.
Physical Characteristics
Size and Build
Adults measure 7.5 to 10.2 inches long. Wingspan reaches 16 inches. Weight ranges from 3.1 to 4.1 ounces. Chunky bodies and flat heads create distinctive profiles. Round-shouldered postures nearly conceal necks. Short, stiff, spiky tails aid balance. Robin-sized but stockier overall.
Plumage Pattern
Bright yellow covers underparts. A black V crosses the breast. Brown upperparts show black streaking throughout. White flanks carry black streaks. Heads display light brown and black striped bands. White outer tail feathers flash during takeoff and landing. Winter plumage dulls slightly with gray replacing some black areas.
Behavior and Song
Vocal Performance
Males sing rich, low, descending warbles. Well-spaced clear notes start each song. Rapid gurgles end the melody. Songs last up to five seconds. Flute-like quality distinguishes Western from Eastern Meadowlarks. Calls include throaty took or chook sounds. Dry rattles serve as alarm notes.
Foraging Patterns
Ground foraging dominates feeding behavior. Birds walk through grasslands probing soil with long, pointed bills. Insects hide beneath grass and in dirt. Winter brings small loose flocks. Flushed birds fly low with wings below horizontal. Quail-like wingbeats characterize short flights. Gliding alternates with flapping during longer movements.
Habitat and Range
Wyoming Distribution
Grasslands provide primary habitat across Wyoming. Prairies, pastures, meadows, and abandoned fields support breeding populations. Agricultural areas offer additional nesting sites. Birds prefer grass heights between one and three feet. Minimal shrub cover suits territorial needs. Territory sizes average 14 acres of quality grassland.
Seasonal Movements
Permanent residents occupy much of the range. Northern Wyoming birds migrate south for winter. Some individuals move east into southern United States. Migration timing varies by location. Late fall departures and early spring returns characterize the pattern. Breeding birds arrive April through May. Summer range numbers depend on spring rainfall amounts.
Diet and Feeding
Summer Foods
Insects dominate warm-month diets. Beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, caterpillars, and ants provide protein. Spiders, snails, and sowbugs supplement insect prey. True bugs round out invertebrate consumption. Young birds receive almost exclusively insects. Parents feed nestlings soft-bodied prey items. This protein supports rapid growth.
Winter Nutrition
Seeds and waste grain increase during cold months. Plant material comprises about one-third of annual diet. Fall brings dietary shifts toward seeds. Grassland seeds and agricultural grain offer energy. Birds probe beneath snow for accessible food. Foraging continues through winter in southern portions of range.
Reproduction
Nest Construction
Females build domed structures on the ground. Dense grass cover conceals nest locations. Construction uses grass stems interwoven with surrounding vegetation. Small hollows or depressions hold the nest base. Side entrances provide access. Some nests include grass runways extending several feet. Partial or full grass roofs protect contents.
Breeding Cycle
Clutches contain three to seven eggs, typically five. White shells show heavy brown and purple spotting concentrated at larger ends. Incubation lasts 13 to 15 days with females alone on eggs. Both parents feed nestlings though females contribute more effort. Young leave nests after 12 days before flight capability develops. Parental care continues at least two additional weeks. Two broods occur per year.
Conservation Status
Population Trends
Numbers remain abundant but declining throughout the range. The species maintains Least Concern conservation status. Habitat loss threatens breeding success. Grassland fragmentation reduces suitable nesting areas. Agricultural intensification impacts food availability. Pesticide use decreases insect prey populations. Protected non-game status offers legal safeguards.
Habitat Needs
Grassland preservation supports population stability. Native prairie restoration creates breeding habitat. Sustainable agricultural practices benefit foraging areas. Reduced pesticide applications maintain insect populations. Open country management requires balancing human use with bird needs. Conservation efforts focus on habitat quality and connectivity.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 of 6
Wyoming became the first state to designate the Western Meadowlark on February 5, 1927, missing the nation's first state bird designation by just five days
Western Meadowlark Songs & Calls
Hear the clear whistles and sharp calls of the Western Meadowlark. These field recordings capture their distinctive voice in natural habitat.
Audio licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Also the State Bird of:
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records and scientific databases.
Official state wildlife agency information on adoption history and seasonal presence in Wyoming • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Official state government documentation of Wyoming state symbols including adoption dates • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Comprehensive species guide with identification, behavior, habitat, and breeding information • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Detailed field guide information on physical characteristics, range, song, and nesting habits • Accessed: November 30, 2025
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