North Dakota’s state bird is the western meadowlark. The western meadowlark was officially adopted as the state bird of North Dakota in 1947. Some quick facts about the western meadowlark:
Quick Facts About the Western Meadowlark
- Scientific name: Sturnella neglecta
- Physical description: Medium-sized songbird with yellow breast and black v-shaped band on chest
- Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, meadows
- Diet: Insects, seeds
- Lifespan: Up to 10 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
The western meadowlark is a distinctive songbird found in grassland habitats across central and western North America. It is the state bird of 6 U.S. states including North Dakota, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, and Wyoming.
Some key reasons why the western meadowlark makes a fitting state symbol for North Dakota include:
Why the Western Meadowlark Symbolizes North Dakota
- Abundant across the grasslands and prairies of North Dakota
- Sings a distinctive flute-like song that is easily recognizable
- Closely associated with open grassland habitats like those that cover much of North Dakota
- Has bright yellow plumage like North Dakota’s fields of wheat and canola
- Represents the prairie heritage and agricultural spirit of North Dakota
The western meadowlark was proposed as North Dakota’s state bird by Mrs. Caroline A. Farley Holton, a member of the Flickertail Garden Club of Fargo. It gained favor due to its ubiquity across the state and melodious song. Some of the birds it beat out for the title include the bobolink, goldfinch, and mourning dove.
In 1944, schoolchildren were given the chance to vote for their preferred state bird, and the western meadowlark came out on top. It was made the official state bird of North Dakota in 1947 per state legislation.
Western Meadowlark Habitat and Behavior
The western meadowlark is found in open grasslands across much of the western half of North America. In North Dakota, it inhabits native prairie habitats as well as pastures, hay fields, wet meadows, and even alfalfa fields on farms. They avoid heavily forested areas.
Western meadowlarks feed primarily on insects during the breeding season, including beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, ants, and flies. They supplement their diet with grains, seeds, and berries. Meadowlarks forage for food while walking along the ground in short grass, probing with their bills.
The birds mate in the spring and summer across the Great Plains. The females build dome-shaped nests on the ground out of grasses, concealing them under vegetation. Clutch sizes are typically 3-6 eggs. The eggs hatch after about 2 weeks and the young fledge from the nest after another 2 weeks.
Western meadowlarks are best known for their melodious song, which carries far across the open prairies. Males sing their flute-like song from fence posts and other perches to mark their breeding territories and attract mates. Their song is a distinctive indicator of the prairie landscape.
Western Meadowlark Population and Conservation Status
According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, western meadowlark populations declined by over 40% between 1966 and 2015 across their breeding range. However, they remain common across much of the Great Plains in suitable grassland habitat.
Habitat loss due to agricultural intensification, urbanization, and reduction in native prairie are the chief threats facing western meadowlarks. Conservation practices like preserving intact grasslands, allowing natural fire/grazing cycles, and planting native vegetation can help support meadowlark populations.
While western meadowlark numbers have dropped in parts of their range, the species remains prolific across North Dakota. The state’s abundance of prairie, pasture, and hay land provides ideal meadowlark habitat. North Dakota’s State Wildlife Action Plan lists the western meadowlark as a Species of Conservation Priority, meaning it warrants continued monitoring and habitat protection.
Interesting Facts About North Dakota’s State Bird
- North Dakota law designates March 1 as Western Meadowlark Day!
- Young western meadowlarks hatch with their eyes closed and don’t open them for 5-6 days.
- Meadowlarks can consume up to 150 grasshoppers per week while nesting.
- The western meadowlark has over 20 vocalizations including territorial songs, calls, mating songs, and alarm calls.
- Their song is thought to be the inspiration for the 5-note musical phrase in the song “American the Beautiful”.
Conclusion
The western meadowlark is an iconic symbol representing the bounty of North Dakota’s prairie grasslands. Its uplifting song and bright yellow plumage reflect the state’s agricultural heritage and natural beauty. While facing some conservation concerns, the western meadowlark remains a prolific and beloved bird across North Dakota due to ample suitable habitat. The continued presence of meadowlarks serenading across the prairies is a sign of a healthy native ecosystem.
Year | Status |
---|---|
1947 | Named official state bird of North Dakota |
1966 | Breeding Bird Survey tracking begins |
2015 | Population declined by over 40% since 1966 across range |
2023 | Remains a Species of Conservation Priority in North Dakota |
In summary, the western meadowlark’s history as North Dakota’s state bird reflects the cultural and ecological heritage of the state. Its iconic presence across the Great Plains grasslands makes it a fitting representative of the Peace Garden State. While facing some conservation concerns, active management and protection of prairie habitats can help ensure western meadowlarks continue gracing North Dakota with their melodies for generations to come.