Lark Bunting

Calamospiza melanocorys

The breeding male Lark Bunting (pictured at right) is an unmistakable resident of shortgrass prairies of the Plains states, with an all-black body and bold white wing patch.  They are gregarious birds, and are usually found in loose flocks and breeding colonies.

Habitat: Prefers to breed on native shortgrass prairies.  Will also breed in sagebrush habitats if there is a sufficient understory of grasses.  Can be found in a wide variety of open habitats during migration and in winter.

Diet: Primarily feeds on insects during the summer months.  Seeds and waste grain become the primary food item during the winter months.

Behavior: Primarily forages by walking or running along the ground.  They will also pursue insects that are stirred up by flying after them and catching them in flight. 

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey Map

Song: Repetitive low liquid whistling.

Migration: Summers throughout the Western Plains into southern Canada.  Winters in the southwestern U.S. and points south.

Similar Species: Bobolink

Bird Feeders: Will occasionally attend feeders for grains and small seeds.

Conservation Status: Populations are reduced from historical levels.  Still common in areas, but habitat loss is behind declines in recent decades.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Lark Bunting

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Lark Bunting"

3) eNature.com: Lark Bunting

Photo Information: July 4th, 2005 - Fort Pierre National Grasslands, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Lark Bunting photos.