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What Is the State Bird of Nebraska?

Jerry Morrison
Jerry Morrison

The state bird of Nebraska is the western meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta. This large songbird was adopted as the state bird by a joint resolution of the Nebraska legislature on March 22, 1929. The western meadowlark is a common sight in the prairies and grasslands of North America. It can be readily identified by its yellow neck and chest, which is adorned with a distinctive black 'V'. The state bird of Nebraska is also prized for its flute-like, varied and multi-note song.

At maturity, the western meadowlark is about 8-11 inches (about 20-28 cm) in length and weighs about 3-4 ounces (about 85-113 g). The state bird of Nebraska has a long, sharply pointed bill, long legs and a short tail. Its head has black and white stripes, while the wings are mainly light brown with black markings. The cheek, neck and chest are all bright yellow, with a black 'V' highlighting the chest. Along its flanks, the western meadowlark's feathers are white with black markings.

Nesting in areas of high agricultural activity poses some threat to the state bird of Nebraska.
Nesting in areas of high agricultural activity poses some threat to the state bird of Nebraska.

Its nests are generally made from dried grass, built at ground level, and are woven into the vegetation of grasslands and untilled fields. The western meadowlark usually provides at least a partial grass covering for its nest, though some are completely enclosed and have a long entrance tunnel. Three to seven spotted white eggs are laid at a time and have an incubation period of around two weeks. The male usually has more than one mate at a time and plays a less involved role than the female in caring for the hatchlings.

The state bird of Nebraska is a ground forager and is particularly adapted to life on the prairie. It generally feeds off the surface, but can probe beneath with its long, sharp bill. This bird is omnivorous, though the majority of its diet consists of insects, worms and snails. Grain and weed seeds make up the remainder. In the winter months, feeding in flocks is common.

Natural predators of the western meadowlark include hawks, crows, coyotes and raccoons. Nesting in areas of high agricultural activity poses some threat to the state bird of Nebraska as well. A small decline in its population has been noted; however, the bird's numbers remain abundant throughout its natural range. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) considers the western meadowlark to be a species at little risk of extinction, placing it in the category of least concern.

Discussion Comments

golf07

I have never lived in Nebraska, but pass through it every year on my way to Colorado.

I do happen to know a couple facts about Nebraska that I have learned along the way.

We raise honeybees, and I know that the honeybee happens to be the state insect. I also know the Nebraska state flower is the Goldenrod.

If you know much about honeybees, you know this is one flower they really love. It comes in bloom later in the season, and makes for a darker honey than something like clover which is in bloom earlier in the year.

Knowing a few facts about the different states I visit is something I enjoy learning. It gives me a quick idea of what that state is about.

sunshined

I have lived in Nebraska most of my life, and see no shortage of this bird - especially in the spring.

It is not uncommon to see these birds on fence posts and bushes in your backyard, and even along the highways.

Even though they are a small bird, the males can be quite territorial in the spring. I have seen a few meadowlark fights between two males trying to define their territory.

The Nebraska state tree is the Cottonwood, and I have several of these on my property. There are many times I have seen meadowlarks in the Cottonwood trees when I have been working outside.

It makes sense these are the state bird and tree, as they seem to be plentiful where I live.

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    • Nesting in areas of high agricultural activity poses some threat to the state bird of Nebraska.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      Nesting in areas of high agricultural activity poses some threat to the state bird of Nebraska.