The State Bird of Montana is the Western Meadowlark. Schoolchildren chose the bird in 1928 as part of a contest sponsored by the Federated Women’s Clubs of Montana.
The State Bird of Montana is the Western Meadowlark. The Western Meadowlark is a songbird native to the western United States and Canada. It is about 9 inches long with yellow breasts and a brown back.
The Western Meadowlark can be found in open grasslands, fields, and prairies.
Why is Montana State Bird the Western Meadowlark?
The western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) became the official state bird of Montana in 1931. The meadowlark of the west is a member of the blackbird family, which also includes the orioles and grackles. It is about 8-9 inches long with a wingspan of 13-14 inches.
The male has yellow underparts with a black “V” on its breast, while the female has more brownish coloring. Both sexes have dark brown upper parts with white wing bars—the western meadowlark breeds across much of North America west of the Great Plains, including Montana.
In winter, it migrates to the southern regions of the continent. The western meadowlark inhabits grasslands and fields and is often seen perching atop fence posts or other elevated objects from which it sings its distinctive song: a series of clear notes that rise and fall in pitch, ending in a lower trill. The decision to make the western meadowlark Montana’s state bird was likely influenced by its wide range and prominence in Montana’s agricultural industry.
According to one estimate, there are about 3 million breeding pairs of western meadowlarks in North America; given that each team requires two acres of suitable habitat, this would amount to nearly 6% of all land in the contiguous United States being necessary to support this species alone! In addition to being numerous, western meadowlarks are also crucial for another reason: they consume large numbers of crop pests such as grasshoppers and crickets. A single adult can eat over 100 insects per day!
Do Montana And Wyoming Have the Same State Bird?
No, Montana and Wyoming do not have the same state bird. Montana’s state bird is the western meadowlark, while Wyoming’s is the meadowlark.
What is the State of Montana’S Bird?
According to the Audubon Society, Montana is home to over 200 species of birds. The state has a variety of habitats, from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains, which provide for a wide range of bird species. Common birds in Montana include bald eagles, ospreys, peregrine falcons, and sandhill cranes.
The state also has a large waterfowl population, including ducks and geese.
What Bird is in All 50 States?
Several birds could be considered the bird of all 50 states, but the most likely candidate is the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). This ubiquitous bird is found in nearly every habitat across the contiguous United States, from forests to grasslands to deserts. American crows are intelligent and adaptable, which has helped them thrive in human-altered environments like cities and farmland.
These hardy birds are also one of the few species that have increased in numbers over the last century. So whether you’re in Maine or California, keep your eyes peeled for these black beauties!
What is the State Tree of Montana
Montana’s state tree is the ponderosa pine, North America’s most significant and widespread pine species. The ponderosa pine is an essential source of timber for the lumber industry and is used in construction, furniture-making, and other wood products. The tree grows to a height of 100–200 feet (30–60 m) and has a trunk diameter of 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m).
The bark is thick and scaly, with a reddish-brown coloration that gives the tree its common name: “red fir.” The leaves are dark green, needle-like, and 3–5 inches (7.6–12.7 cm) long.
What is the State Flower of Montana
The State Flower of Montana is the bitterroot. The scientific name for the flower is Lewisia rediviva, part of the Montiaceae family. The plant blooms from May to July and can be found in open, sunny areas in western North America.
The plant’s roots were used as a food source by Native Americans and early settlers. The flowers are white or pink and have a slightly bitter taste. The petals have a crinkled appearance, and the plants can grow up to two feet tall.
Montana’s state flower was chosen by schoolchildren in 1895 and officially adopted by the legislature in 1949.
Montana State Animal
Montana State Animal, The Montana state animal is the grizzly bear. The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), also known as the North American brown bear or simply brown bear, is a large subspecies of brown bear that inhabits much of northern Eurasia and North America.
A boar (adult male) weighs around 350–700 kg (772–1,543 lb), while a sow (adult female) is about half that size.
What is the State Bird of Nebraska
The State Bird of Nebraska is the Western Meadowlark. The Western Meadowlark is a beautiful bird with yellow breasts and black markings on its back. It is found in open fields and meadows throughout the western United States and Canada.
The Western Meadowlark is the state bird of six states, including Nebraska.
Montana State Bird Facts
The Meadowlark is the state bird of Montana. This songbird is named for its habit of singing from high perches in open meadows. The Meadowlark has a streaked brown back, white breasts, and a yellow throat.
It nests on the ground in grassy areas, often near farmlands. These birds eat insects and seeds. The Western Meadowlark was designated as the official state bird of Montana in 1931.
The Eastern Meadowlark was considered but was rejected because it is not found in Montana.
What is the State Bird of Oregon?
Oregon’s state bird is the Western Meadowlark. The meadowlark is a medium-sized songbird with yellow breasts and a black throat. It has a white belly and a brown back.
The meadowlark’s wings are dark with white bars. Its tail is long and pointed. The meadowlark inhabits fields, grasslands, and open woodlands in western North America.
In Oregon, it can be found in the Willamette Valley, east of the Cascade Range.
Montana State Fish
From the high mountain lakes of Glacier National Park to the vast rivers of central Montana, Montana is home to a wide variety of fish species. The most popular gamefish in Montana include trout, walleye, pike, and perch, but there are also many lesser-known species, such as sturgeon, whitefish, and dace. Montana’s state fish is the cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii), native to the western United States and Canada.
The cutthroat trout were first introduced to Montana in the late 1800s and has since become one of the most popular sport fish in the state. Cutthroat trout can be found in nearly every river and stream in Montana, from small creeks to large rivers. The cutthroat trout is named for the distinctive red-orange slash marks found on each side of its jaw.
These markings help identify different subspecies of cutthroat trout, of which there are 14. The Yellowstone cutthroat trout (O. c. Bouvier) is one of the most common subspecies in Montana waters. Cutthroat trout vary widely in size and coloration depending on their location and diet.
They generally range from 10-20 inches in length and weigh 1-5 pounds. Their bodies are typically olive green or brownish on top, with lighter sides and a whitish belly. The fins are usually yellow or orange with darker tips.
Montana State Bird And Flower
Montana’s official state bird is the western meadowlark. The meadowlark of the west is a medium-sized songbird with yellow breasts and a brown back. It has a white belly and black wings with white bars.
The western meadowlark is found in open grassland habitats across the western United States and Canada. It feeds on insects, seeds, and berries. The official state flower of Montana is the bitterroot.
The bitterroot is a member of the rose family and grows in mountainous regions of the western United States. It has small, pinkish-white flowers that bloom in early spring. The roots of the plant are edible and have a pleasantly bitter taste.
Conclusion
The State Bird of Montana is the Western Meadowlark. The Western Meadowlark is a beautiful songbird in the western United States and Canada. This bird has a distinctive call that sounds like “meadowlark” or “meadowlark.”
The Western Meadowlark is also known for its stunning plumage, which includes a yellow breast with black streaks and a brown back.