Western meadowlark

Description:

I spotted this western meadowlark during my visit through South Dakota. I have seen the eastern meadowlark which is very similar but this is a first spotting of this bird. Loves to sing. They are everywhere in the meadows of the Badlands. I usually saw them perched on a post (even stop signs) just singing away. Did not even seem to notice us humans. Summer adults are bright yellow below with a bold black V on breast. The crown is brown with white median crown stripe, pale face accented by bold dark stripe. Yellow on throat.

Habitat:

Western Meadowlarks live in open grasslands, prairies, meadows, and some agricultural fields ranging from sea level to 10,000 feet. Was happy to see a lot of these birds in the meadows of the badlands in South Dakota.