Larkbird
| Larkbird | ||||||||||||
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Long-tailed blackbird ( Sturnella loyca ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Sturnella | ||||||||||||
| Vieillot , 1816 |
The larkbirds ( Sturnella ) are a genus of birds in the family of the blackbirds (Icteridae). This genus includes seven species. The western larkbird was seen as a separate species only very late, as it looks very much like the eastern larkbird. However, when they meet, the two species can be easily distinguished by their different singing. The two species also distinguish themselves from each other in the breeding business in one field.
The blackbirds are insectivorous meadow, field and prairie birds. The males have a red or yellow plumage on the underside, which is often V-shaped or black crescent-shaped over the chest. The top is black and white over gray and white to brown and white striped or spotted. Their beaks are thin and pointed.
In spring, the male polygamous larkbirds can often be seen on a fence post or something similar in their breeding areas, where they record their territorial song for several hours a day. The females arrive in the breeding areas a few weeks later than the males. They create their covered nests of grass in hollows on meadows or fields. Both parent animals take part in the rearing of the young.
species
- Long- tailed blackbird or long-tailed blackbird ( Sturnella loyca )
- Larkbird or Eastern Larkbird ( Sturnella magna )
- Black -thighed blackbird or pampa larkbird ( Sturnella defilippii )
- Red-breasted blackbird ( Sturnella militaris )
- Western larkbird or meadow blackbird ( Sturnella neglecta )
- White- eyed blackbird ( Sturnella superciliaris )
- White thighbird or white thigh soldierbird ( Sturnella bellicosa )
