16 Nebraskaland • August-September 2020
IN THE FIELD
The Great Plains host a wide variety of spectacular wildlife,
especially in the summer when migratory birds are busy
establishing territories, finding a mate and raising young.
While small birds may not be the most visible or eye-catching
creatures on the prairie, the lark bunting is one songbird that
is hard to ignore. During the spring and summer months,
the male lark bunting is one of the most recognizable
North American songbirds, sporting a completely black body
contrasted only by a bold white wing patch. Female lark
buntings also have a large white wing patch, but their bodies
are a more subtle brown with occasional black streaking on
their breast and face.
The first thing to know about lark buntings is that they
are neither a lark nor a bunting. Lark buntings are in fact
sparrows, but given their uniqueness among their taxonomic
relatives, we can let early ornithologists off the hook for
this apparent misnomer. Lark buntings are an entirely
North American species, wintering in the southwestern
states and northern Mexico and breeding as far north as
southern Saskatchewan. In Nebraska, lark buntings can be
found in the western half of our state during the summer,
predominately in prairie habitats, but occasionally they will
nest in agricultural fields.
Like many migratory birds, lark buntings are most visible
during the early summer months, when males are performing
their singing aerial displays. However, August can be a great
time to observe this species as they begin a fascinating
behavior in preparation for their autumn migration. Lark
buntings will form large "post-breeding" flocks, with numbers
ranging from a few dozen to a few hundred individuals. They
will stay in these flocks throughout their migration and into
the wintering grounds. Keep an eye out along fence lines
and roadsides for this rather large sparrow as flocks of these
white-winged beauties scatter to avoid the perils of fast-
moving vehicles. Slow down and take another look as this
species begins to flock up for their next major journey.
By Stephen J. Brenner, Nongame Bird Biologist
LARK BUNTING—THE LATE SUMMER
SHOWSTOPPER
PHOTO
BY
JUSTIN
HAAG
