Nebraska State Bird

Nebraska was the 37th state among the 50 US states to establish its official status as a state on March 1 of 1867. The capital city of the state is Lincoln. The state is also known as the Cornhusker state. What could the state bird of Nebraska be then? Hint: It’s a state bird that is shared by many other states.

What Is The State Bird Of Nebraska?

The Western Meadowlark has been the official state bird of Nebraska since 1929. It is a songbird everyone is familiar with and is often seen perched atop fence posts in open, grassy areas. A bird with a lemon yellow plumage with black, white, and brown wings, this bird species belongs to the family of orioles and blackbirds.

What Makes The State Bird Of Nebraska Unusual?

The Nebraska state bird is unusual for multiple reasons. One is their call, which is considered to be one of the sweetest calls among songbird species. Listening to the sound of their flute-like call can make you feel at peace. Another unusual thing about the Nebraska state bird is the lemon yellow plumage of the bird. It is in complete contrast with the shades of brown, black, and white on their wings. The V-shaped black mark on their neck also helps differentiate them from other bird species.

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Western Meadowlark Migration

Nebraska State Bird Facts

Let’s look at a few new facts about the Nebraska official state bird!

1. The gaping technique is used by the Western Meadowlark when they want to feed. In this technique, they touch their bill to the soil in the ground or on the bark of a tree. Then, using the force of their bill, they make a hole in the area. This gives the Meadowlarks access to insects and other foods that most bird species usually wouldn’t be able to reach.

2. There are notable similarities in appearance between the Western and Eastern Meadowlark. However, it has been noted that other than the few shared features, the two species rarely interbreed. When captive breeding was done as an experiment, it was seen that the hybrid birds produced were fertile. Yet, the eggs they produced rarely hatched properly.

3. Western Meadowlarks use grass to cover their nests. Grass essentially forms their roofs. So, an animal passing by might never notice the nest, which means they are safe from lots of predators. Sometimes, for additional safety, the entrance of the nest is actually dug seven feet deep. It takes forever for a predator to reach the actual nest.

Final Thoughts

The Nebraska official state bird can be seen in the open areas of Nebraska. They do have a tendency to perch atop fence posts. If you see one, you would want to have your binoculars with you so you can take a good look at their appearance and truly take note of the details. If you get to hear their 7 to 10 note melody while you are around them, even more reason to rejoice!

Ornithology