General

Lark Bunting: Large sparrow, nearly black with large white wing patches, short, white-edged tail, and heavy, blue-gray bill. Winter male has streaked gray-brown upperparts, brown-streaked white underparts, buff-brown wash on flanks, black throat, white wing patches, and white-edged tail. Female and juvenile are duller and lack black throats.

Range and Habitat

Lark Bunting: Breeds on the prairies of south-central Canada and central U.S. from Alberta and Saskatchewan south to northern Texas. Spends winters in the southwest states, northern Mexico, and Baja California. Found in shortgrass prairies, sagebrush flats, and open areas in the southeastern lowlands.

Breeding and Nesting

Lark Bunting: Three to seven pale blue or green eggs spotted with red brown are laid in a loose cup nest made of grass, roots, and other plant material, lined with hair and plant down, and built on the ground, usually sheltered by grass or a small bush. Incubation ranges from 11 to 12 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Lark Bunting: Feeds on insects, including grasshoppers, beetles, and ants, seeds, and waste grain. Walks or hops along the ground when foraging, often in flocks.

Vocalization

Lark Bunting: Song is rich and warbling melody of full whistles and trills. Call is "hoo-ee."

Similar Species

Lark Bunting: Other sparrows lack the white wing patches. Bobolink has a dull white nape, white rump, and white back patches.