Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta
Blackbird (Icteridae) Family: Medium-to-large sized songbirds. Have strong direct flight, long heavy, pointed bills. Diverse group that includes orioles and blackbirds.
ID Features: pale grey/brown overall, 9.5 inches length (bill tip to tail), bright yellow underparts (often veiled in fall).
Habitat: Common in shrub-steppe & grasslands.
Description:
- Short tail with white sides to outer upper tail features-visible in flight
- Black Breast “V”
- Whitish flanks
- Long legs
Photo source http://www.pbase.com/rodg/icterids Used with permission of photographer Rod Gilbert
