This chunky member of the sparrow family is a bit larger than a Fox Sparrow even with a shorter tail. Lark Buntings prefer grassland habitats and, not surprisingly, is usually restricted to the southern Prairie Provinces and the central States. Spends the winter in the southern States south into Mexico. During the winter often forms large flocks. Feeds on seeds and insects especially grasshoppers. Any birds found in the checklist area are well outside of their normal range. Three records exist to date for this species; all which are males.
Similar species:
Males with black body, large white patches in the wings and white tail tip is pretty unique. Females are brown with smaller white area in the wings and may not immdiately stick out. The large bill, bold streaking on breast and white tail tip are all good field marks.
Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Sibley, D. 2000
Noteworthy Data
Date | Location | Source(s) | Comments |
| May 30, 2016 | Hope Airport | G. Gadsden, 2016 | A male perched on the fence along the northern end of the airport. Likely a second year based on greyish primary coverts. Photos and video below. Not seen again despite some efforts to find it over the following days. |
| May 31, 2009 | Wolfe Rd, Chilliwack | J. Freeman fide D. Knopp , 2009b | Field observation of a male. |
| August 1, 1906 | Thurston Ranch, Chilliwack River Valley | Birds of B.C., 2001 | A male collected as was often customary in those days. |
Photos
