Western meadowlark

Western meadowlark photographed in Manitoba

The western meadowlark is the voice of the open prairie. From a fence post, the male sings a flute-like, gurgling song that carries across the grassland, a sound many people link to the first warm days of spring. The bright yellow chest with a bold black V is unmistakable.

Meadowlarks nest on the ground in tall grass, weaving a domed nest with a side entrance that is difficult to find. They feed on insects in summer and seeds and waste grain in winter. In Manitoba they are found mainly in the southern and western grasslands, and they arrive in April, shortly after the snow retreats.

For more on the western meadowlark and its habitat, see its species guide at All About Birds.

Here are some of my favourite frames of this bird.

Field notes in photographs

  • Western meadowlark photographed in Manitoba, 1
  • Western meadowlark photographed in Manitoba, 2
  • Western meadowlark photographed in Manitoba, 3
  • Western meadowlark photographed in Manitoba, 4
  • Western meadowlark perched on a weathered fence post, looking back over its shoulder, Manitoba
  • Western meadowlark fluffing its feathers on a hay bale

Western meadowlark Manitoba sightings

Where and when you can find the western meadowlark in Manitoba depends on the season and the habitat. You can see more species in the Manitoba birds section.

Map of Manitoba showing where the western meadowlark nests, with major cities and lakes
Where to look for the western meadowlark in Manitoba through the seasons: nesting in the Prairies (gold). Habitat regions: National Ecological Framework for Canada. Boundaries: Statistics Canada. Lakes: Natural Earth.

Back to Manitoba bird photography, or see the portfolio.

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