| Montana State Bird |
Western Meadowlark
To Meriwether Lewis goes the distinction of not only "discovering" the Bitterroot, but first recording what became Montana's state bird. Under the date of June 22, 1805, Lewis noted in his journal the appearance of a lark with a yellow breast and black spot on the throat. It resembled in size, action, and color the eastern lark with which he was more familiar, but the song was richer and more varied.The western meadowlark's cheerful song, consisting of a loud, clear, warbling whistle, makes him easily recognizable as do his peculiar flight habits - several short, rapid wing beats alternated with brief periods of sailing.
This bird has its nest on the ground in a hidden spot and has from three to seven eggs of mixed white, brown and purple.
The western meadowlark has captivated the attention and interest of Montanans from Lewis to the present. When asked in 1930 which bird best represented Montana, the state's school children responded overwhelmingly - the meadowlark. Legislators agreed the next session, and in 1931, the western meadowlark (Sturnella-Neglecta: Audubon) added its song as another official representative of the Big Sky Country.
Special Acknowledgements to: Montana Historical Society, Rex C. Meyers and Norma B. Ashby.
Courtesy of State of Montana
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