What Is the State Bird of Montana? The Western Meadowlark

The state bird of Montana is the Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). Officially adopted in 1931, this melodious songbird was chosen for its vibrant yellow breast marked with a bold black V and its cheerful, flute-like song that echoes across Montana's open grasslands and prairies. As a symbol deeply rooted in the identity of the state, the Western Meadowlark represents not only Montana’s rich natural heritage but also the broader cultural significance of birds in American life. Known for its distinctive call and ground-nesting habits, the Western Meadowlark thrives in rural and agricultural landscapes, making it a familiar sight and sound to residents and visitors alike. This article explores the history, biology, symbolism, and ecological importance of Montana’s state bird, offering both practical insights for birdwatchers and deeper understanding of its role in regional identity.

Historical Background: How the Western Meadowlark Became Montana’s State Bird

In 1931, during a period when many U.S. states were formalizing their official symbols, Montana officially designated the Western Meadowlark as its state bird. The decision followed a grassroots campaign led by schoolchildren and supported by local ornithological societies. At the time, there was growing interest in promoting native wildlife and fostering environmental awareness among young citizens. The Western Meadowlark stood out due to its widespread presence across the state and its unmistakable song, often described as one of the most beautiful in North America.

Interestingly, the Western Meadowlark shares this honor with six other states—Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Wyoming, and, historically, Arizona (which later changed to the Cactus Wren). This makes it one of the most commonly selected state birds in the nation. Despite this shared status, each state celebrates the bird in unique ways, often incorporating it into educational curricula, state emblems, and public art. In Montana, the bird appears on license plates, in tourism materials, and even in regional music traditions.

Biological Profile of the Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta, the scientific name for the Western Meadowlark, belongs to the Icteridae family, which includes blackbirds, orioles, and grackles. Though often mistaken for a lark due to its name and grassland habitat, it is not closely related to true larks (family Alaudidae). Instead, its classification reflects its evolutionary ties to New World blackbirds.

Adult Western Meadowlarks measure about 8.5 to 10 inches in length with a wingspan of 13 to 16 inches. They have streaked brown upperparts, a bright yellow throat and underparts, and the defining black crescent-shaped band across the chest. Their outer tail feathers are white, visible in flight, helping distinguish them from similar species like the Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna), which looks nearly identical but has a different song and limited range overlap.

One of the most remarkable features of the Western Meadowlark is its complex vocalization. Males sing to establish territory and attract mates, producing a series of clear, whistled notes that can carry over long distances. Bioacoustic studies show that individual birds may have dozens of song variants, learned from neighbors and refined through practice—a trait indicative of advanced avian intelligence.

Habitat and Distribution in Montana

Western Meadowlarks are year-round residents in much of southern Montana, while northern populations may migrate short distances in response to snow cover and food availability. They favor open habitats such as native prairies, pastures, hayfields, and rangelands—ecosystems that once dominated the Great Plains and intermountain regions of the western United States.

In Montana, these birds are especially abundant in the eastern portion of the state, where vast stretches of undeveloped grassland remain. Counties like Richland, Dawson, and Prairie host high densities of breeding pairs during spring and summer. However, habitat loss due to urban development, conversion of grasslands to cropland, and invasive plant species poses ongoing challenges to their population stability.

Conservation efforts by organizations such as Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and the Nature Conservancy focus on preserving native prairie ecosystems, implementing sustainable grazing practices, and monitoring bird populations through programs like the North American Breeding Bird Survey.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Beyond its biological attributes, the Western Meadowlark holds deep symbolic meaning in Montana and across the American West. For Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains, including the Blackfeet, Crow, and Assiniboine nations, birds like the meadowlark are often seen as messengers between worlds, associated with dawn, renewal, and harmony with nature. While specific tribal stories vary, the bird’s early morning song is frequently interpreted as a sign of hope and new beginnings.

In settler culture, the Western Meadowlark became emblematic of rural life and the beauty of the unspoiled landscape. Its image has been used in poetry, folk songs, and regional literature to evoke nostalgia and pride in Montana’s wide-open spaces. The bird’s selection as the state symbol reinforced a collective identity tied to resilience, simplicity, and connection to the land.

Today, the Western Meadowlark continues to inspire artists, educators, and conservationists. It serves as a living reminder of the importance of protecting native species and maintaining ecological balance in an era of rapid environmental change.

How to Observe the Western Meadowlark: Tips for Birdwatchers

For amateur and experienced birders alike, spotting a Western Meadowlark in Montana can be a rewarding experience. Here are some practical tips:

• Best Time to See Them: Early morning hours during spring and summer are ideal, as males are most active singing from fence posts, shrubs, or low trees.
• Preferred Locations: Visit open fields, ranchlands, or wildlife management areas such as Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge or Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
• Listen for the Song: Learn the bird’s flutelike melody—it typically begins with a few clear whistles followed by bubbling trills. Apps like Merlin Bird ID can help you recognize it in the field.
• Use Binoculars: Because they often stay near the ground, scanning slowly along field edges increases your chances of detection.
• Respect Habitat: Stay on trails and avoid disturbing nesting sites, especially between May and July when young are being raised.

Common Misconceptions About the Western Meadowlark

Despite its popularity, several misconceptions surround the Western Meadowlark:

• Misconception 1: “It’s a type of lark.” Correction: Although named a meadowlark, it is biologically a blackbird, not a true lark.
• Misconception 2: “It’s endangered.” While declining in parts of its range due to habitat loss, it remains relatively common in Montana and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
• Misconception 3: “Eastern and Western Meadowlarks are the same species.” DNA analysis confirms they are separate species, best distinguished by song and subtle plumage differences.

Comparison With Other State Birds

To better understand the significance of the Western Meadowlark as Montana’s state bird, consider how it compares to other avian symbols:

State	State Bird	Year Adopted	Habitat Type
Montana	Western Meadowlark	1931	Grasslands
California	California Quail	1931	Chaparral/Woodlands
Texas	Northern Mockingbird	1927	Urban/Suburban
Alaska	Willow Ptarmigan	1955	Tundra
New York	Eastern Bluebird	1970	Open Woodlands

Ecological Role and Conservation Status

As insectivores during the breeding season, Western Meadowlarks play a vital role in controlling pest populations such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. In winter, they switch to seeds, contributing to seed dispersal in grassland ecosystems. Their ground-nesting behavior makes them vulnerable to predation and habitat disruption, particularly from intensive agriculture and feral cats.

The species is currently classified as Least Concern globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but regional declines have been documented. According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, Western Meadowlark populations have decreased by approximately 1.5% per year since 1966, resulting in a cumulative decline of over 70%.

Efforts to reverse this trend include conservation easements, restoration of native prairie, and promotion of bird-friendly farming practices. Individuals can support these initiatives by participating in citizen science projects like eBird, supporting land trusts, and advocating for policies that protect open spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Montana choose the Western Meadowlark as its state bird?

Montana selected the Western Meadowlark in 1931 because of its widespread presence, beautiful song, and association with the state’s grassland ecosystems. It was also championed by schoolchildren and educators as part of a broader movement to celebrate native wildlife.

Can you keep a Western Meadowlark as a pet?

No. The Western Meadowlark is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits capturing, possessing, or harming native birds without federal permits. These birds do not adapt well to captivity and thrive best in their natural habitats.

How can I tell a Western Meadowlark apart from an Eastern Meadowlark?

Visually, they are nearly identical. The most reliable method is by their songs: the Western Meadowlark has a richer, more musical warble, while the Eastern’s call is simpler and more nasal. Range maps also help, as Eastern Meadowlarks are rare west of the Dakotas.

Is the Western Meadowlark found only in Montana?

No. Its range extends from western Canada through the western and central United States down into northern Mexico. However, Montana remains one of the core states where it is both culturally significant and ecologically abundant.

What threats do Western Meadowlarks face today?

Habitat loss due to agricultural intensification, urban expansion, and invasive plant species are the primary threats. Climate change may also alter grassland dynamics, affecting food availability and nesting success.

In conclusion, the Western Meadowlark is more than just Montana’s official state bird—it is a symbol of the state’s ecological richness, cultural values, and enduring connection to the natural world. Whether heard singing at sunrise across a dew-covered field or spotted perched proudly on a fence line, this bird embodies the spirit of Montana’s wide-open landscapes. By understanding and protecting species like the Western Meadowlark, we ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy their beauty and hear their timeless song.