The State Bird of Montana is the Western Meadowlark. The Western Meadowlark is a medium-sized songbird with a long, pointed tail. It has a yellow breast with a black “V” and brownish-black wings with white bars.
The Western Meadowlark can be found in open fields and grasslands across western North America.
The State Bird of Montana is the Mountain Bluebird! The Mountain Bluebird is a small thrush easily recognized by its bright blue plumage. These birds are found in open habitats throughout the western United States and Canada.
They can be seen in meadows, along roadsides, and in mountain valleys in Montana. They typically nest in cavities in trees or cliffs but also use nest boxes. Mountain Bluebirds are primarily insectivorous but eat berries and other fruits.
During the breeding season, males can often be seen perching on fence posts or power lines and singing to attract a mate. Females build the nest and incubate the eggs, which usually hatch after about two weeks. Both parents help to feed the young birds until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
These beautiful birds are a welcome sight in Montana’s landscape! If you’re lucky enough to see one up close, you’ll never forget it!
Why is Montana State Bird the Western Meadowlark?
The western meadowlark is the state bird of Montana because it is a species native to the west of the United States and Canada. The western meadowlark is a member of the icterid family of birds, which includes blackbirds, orioles, and grackles. The meadowlark of the west was first described in 1837 by Lewis and Clark during their expedition to the west.
The scientific name for the western meadowlark is Sturnella neglecta. The meadowlark of the west is about 9 inches in length with a wingspan of 13-14 inches. They are yellowish-brown above, with dark streaks on their back and wings.
Their belly and breast are white with some black streaks. Male and female western meadowlarks look similar, but males have brighter yellow throats and breasts than females. Juvenile birds are browner overall with less distinct streaking.
Western meadowlarks live in open grasslands, prairies, pastures, farmland, and along roadsides throughout the west. They can also be found in sagebrush steppe habitats in eastern Washington and Oregon and parts of Idaho. In Montana, they are most common east of the Continental Divide but can be found statewide during spring and summer.
These birds primarily eat insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, ants, flies, wasps, bees, moths, butterflies larvae,and spiders. When insects are scarce in winter, they switch to eating seeds from weeds, grasses, and sedges. You can often hear them singing before you see them since they like to perch atop bushes or fences to sing their melodious song, which sounds like “little sweet cheery cheerio” or “comes here dearie.”
Montanans chose the beautiful Western Meadowlark as our State Bird in 1949. It’s an appropriate choice since more than half of North America’s Meadowlarks breed in Montana yearly!
Do Montana And Wyoming Have the Same State Bird?
No, Montana and Wyoming do not have the same state bird. While both states feature the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) on their state quarter designs, Montana officially adopted the meadowlark of the west as its state bird in 1949, while Wyoming chose the Meadowlark as its official state bird in 1929.
What is the State of Montana’S Bird?
The state of Montana is home to a variety of different bird species, many of which are doing quite well. One of the most common birds in the state is the American crow, which can be found in nearly every county. Other popular birds include the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and osprey.
While there are no official estimates on populations for most species, it is safe to say that Montana’s bird population is healthy and thriving.
What is the State Flower of Montana And Bird?
Montana’s state flower is the bitterroot, and its state bird is the western meadowlark. The bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva) was designated as Montana’s official state flower in 1895. The plant is found in all of Montana’s 56 counties, and its showy flowers can be seen blooming from early spring to late summer.
The western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) was adopted as Montana’s official state bird in 1949. This songbird is known for its beautiful plumage and melodious singing voice. It can be found throughout the state, nesting in fields and prairies.
What is the State Tree of Montana
The State Tree of Montana is the Ponderosa Pine. The scientific name for this tree is Pinus ponderosa. The Ponderosa Pine is a large, coniferous tree that can grow up to 200 feet tall and 6-8 feet in diameter.
This tree is native to the western United States and Canada and is one of the most widely distributed pine species in North America. The Ponderosa Pine has long been valued for its timber used in construction, furniture-making, and paper production. This tree also plays a vital role in the ecology of many western landscapes, providing habitat for wildlife and helping to prevent soil erosion.
What is the State Flower of Montana
Did you know that the state flower of Montana is the Bitterroot? The Bitterroot is a beautiful flower that grows in the mountains of Montana. This flower is part of the daisy family, and its scientific name is Lewisia rediviva.
The Bitterroot was designated as the state flower of Montana in 1895. This little flower can bloom from early summer to late fall. The Bitterroot typically has white petals with a yellow center, but there are also pink and purple varieties.
This hardy flower can grow up to 18 inches tall and can be found in open meadows, forest edges, and along roadsides throughout Montana. If you’re ever in Montana during peak bloom season, keep your eyes peeled for this lovely state flower!
Montana State Animal
Montana’s state animal is the grizzly bear. The grizzly bear is a large, brown bear that can grow up to 8 feet tall and weigh up to 1,000 pounds. Grizzlies are found in the western United States, Canada, and Alaska.
They are known for their strength and ferocity and have been known to attack humans if they feel threatened.
What is the State Bird of Nebraska
Did you know that the state bird of Nebraska is the western meadowlark? This beautiful bird is part of the blackbird family and is known for its distinctive song. The meadowlark of the west is found throughout the western United States and parts of Canada and was adopted as Nebraska’s state bird in 1929.
The western meadowlark is a plump bird with a long tail and short legs. It has a yellow breast with black streaks, and its back is primarily brown with some yellow markings. When it flies, you can see a flash of white on its wings.
Males and females look similar, but males tend to be slightly larger. Western meadowlarks typically live in open grasslands, prairies, and farmland – making Nebraska an ideal habitat. During the spring breeding season, male western meadowlarks will establish territories and sing to attract mates.
Their song consists of two or three clear notes followed by a trill – which sounds like “sturdy-LARK-er.” If you’re lucky enough to hear a western meadowlark singing, it’s sure to brighten your day!
Montana State Bird Facts
Did you know that the Montana state bird is the Western Meadowlark? This beautiful songbird is known for its cheerful song, which can often be heard throughout the western United States. Here are some fun facts about this unique bird:
The Western Meadowlark is a member of the same family as blackbirds, orioles, and grackles. Their striking plumage includes a yellow breast with a black V-shaped marking, a brownish back and wings, and a white belly. Meadowlarks are relatively large birds, measuring about 9 inches in length from beak to tail.
These birds inhabit open grasslands and prairies, making Montana an ideal habitat. Western Meadowlarks are monogamous birds, meaning they mate for life with one partner. Both parents help care for the young chicks until they are ready to leave the nest.
Meadowlarks eat insects primarily but will also consume seeds and berries. Montana is truly blessed to have such a lovely state bird! If you’re ever in Montana during springtime, keep your ears open for the beautiful song of the Western Meadowlark.
What is the State Bird of Oregon?
The State Bird of Oregon is the Western Meadowlark. The Western Meadowlark is a member of the meadowlark family, which includes about 24 species of birds found in North and South America. The Western Meadowlark is slightly larger than other meadowlarks, with a length of about 9 inches and a wingspan of up to 16 inches.
It has pale yellow underparts with dark streaks, and its back is brown or gray with white bars. The Western Meadowlark also has a distinctive song, which consists of a series of flute-like notes that descend in pitch. The Western Meadowlark is found in open habitats such as grasslands, prairies, and farmland.
It typically nests on the ground, making a cup-shaped nest out of grasses and other plant materials. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs incubated for about two weeks before hatching. The Western Meadowlark is not considered at risk of extinction, although its numbers have declined somewhat in recent years due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Montana State Fish
Montana’s state fish is the cutthroat trout. The cutthroat trout is a species of freshwater fish in the salmon family. It is native to western North America, from Alaska to Mexico.
It gets its name from the distinctive red markings on its lower jaw. Cutthroat trout are an essential part of Montana’s history and economy. They were an important food source for Native Americans and early settlers.
Today, they are popular with anglers and are a significant tourist attraction in the state. Cutthroat trout are also raised commercially for food and sport fishing. Montana has several different types of cutthroat trout, including the Yellowstone cutthroat, Westslope cutthroat, Bonneville cutthroat, and Lahontan cutthroat trout.
All four subspecies are found in Montana waters. The Yellowstone cutthroat is the most common, while the Lahontan is the world’s largest subspecies of cutthroat trout. All four subspecies of Montana’s state fish are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and degradation, overfishing, the introduction of non-native fish species, and other factors.
Montana State Bird And Flower
Montana’s state bird is the Western meadowlark, and the state flower is the bitterroot. The Western meadowlark is a plump songbird with yellow breasts and a brownish back. It has a black V on its chest and white bars on its wings.
This bird can be found in open fields and grasslands across western North America. The bitterroot is also known as the Lewisia rediviva. It is a small, delicate flower that blooms in early spring.
The petals are white or pink, and the leaves are dark green. Bitterroots can be found in mountain valleys and foothills throughout Montana.
Conclusion
The State Bird of Montana is the Western Meadowlark. The Western Meadowlark is a medium-sized songbird with a long, pointed tail. It has streaked brown, black, and white underparts.
The male has a black V on his chest. The Western Meadowlark breeds in the open country across western North America. It builds a cup nest in the ground and lays 4-6 eggs. This bird is often found in fields and meadows, feeding insects, spiders, and seeds.