Lark Bunting

The Lark Bunting, Calamospiza melanocorys, is a medium-sized sparrow that graces the grasslands of North America. It is distinguished by its short, thick, bluish bill and a conspicuous white patch on its wings. The tail is relatively short, adorned with white tips. Breeding males are resplendent in their all-black plumage, save for the striking white wing patch, while nonbreeding males and females are cloaked in a more subdued grayish-brown with white streaks.

Identification Tips

To identify the Lark Bunting, look for the following characteristics:

• Length: 5.5–7.1 inches (140–180 mm)
• Weight: 1.3–1.5 ounces (37–43 g)
• Wingspan: 9.8–11.0 inches (250–280 mm)
• Breeding males: Black body with a white wing patch
• Nonbreeding males and females: Grayish-brown with white stripes

Habitat

The Lark Bunting thrives in the prairies, a habitat that provides the open spaces this bird favors. It is most commonly found in the grasslands that stretch across central Canada and the mid-western United States.

Distribution

This passerine species migrates in flocks, breeding in the prairies of North America and wintering in the warmer climes of southern Texas, Arizona, and the high plateau of northern Mexico.

Behaviour

Breeding

The Lark Bunting is known for its unique breeding behavior, nesting in dispersed colonies. Males perform a captivating display flight over their territory, singing a complex mix of whistles and trills as they descend, a declaration of ownership. The nest is a simple open cup on the ground, nestled in the grass.

Feeding

On the ground is where the Lark Bunting forages, with a diet that shifts seasonally—from insects in the summer to seeds in the winter. They are also known to take flight in pursuit of insects, and outside the breeding season, they often feed in flocks.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a melodic composition of whistles and trills, performed during a display flight. The call of the Lark Bunting is a soft "hoo," often heard during interactions between individuals.

Conservation status

The Lark Bunting is currently listed as Least Concern, but its population has experienced declines due to the loss of natural prairie habitats.

State bird

The Lark Bunting holds the honor of being the state bird of Colorado, a title it has carried since 1931.