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Lark Bunting -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 7 inches | Wingspan: 11 inches | Seasonality: Summer |
| ID Keys: Black body and tail, bold white wing patch | ||
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Lark Bunting
Calamospiza melanocorys
The breeding male (pictured at right) is an unmistakable resident of shortgrass prairies of the Plains states, with an all-black body and bold white wing patch. Lark Buntings 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.
Nesting: June and July
Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey Map
Song: Repetitive low liquid whistling.
Migrations: Summers throughout the Western Plains into southern Canada. Winters in the southwestern U.S. and points south.
Feeders: Will occasionally attend feeders for grains and small seeds.
Similar Species: Bobolink
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"
Photo Information: July 16th, 2004 -- 5 miles SW of Presho -- Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Lark Bunting photos.
| Additional Lark Bunting Photos | ||
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| Lark Bunting 2 (Female) | ||
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| Lark Bunting 4 (Female) | Lark Bunting 5 (Male) | Lark Bunting 6 (Female) |
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
