Long-Tailed Meadowlark
Leistes loyca
Aves › Passeriformes › Icteridae › Sturnella
Conservation status: least_concern
The Long-tailed Meadowlark is a striking black and red bird found in South American grasslands, easily recognized by its bold crimson breast and belly contrasting sharply with its black back and head. Its notably long tail, which extends well beyond its wings when perched, is the feature that gives this meadowlark its distinctive name and silhouette.
How To Identify
This is a medium-sized, robust passerine bird built for open terrain. Males are often marked by striking plumage, typically involving rich yellows or rufous tones contrasted by darker black streaking; its most defining feature is an unusually long tail relative to the rest of its body.
Habitat
It inhabits open grasslands, savannas, and cultivated fields across southern and central South America, preferring areas with short to medium vegetation.
Behaviour
Males are highly territorial and vocal, perching prominently on grass stems or low shrubs to deliver their loud, melodious songs, which they repeat frequently throughout the day.
Native Range
The long-tailed meadowlark is found in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands.
Did You Know?
The Long-tailed Meadowlark's striking red breast contrasts sharply with its black and white plumage, making it one of South America's most visually distinctive grassland birds. Males perform dramatic aerial displays, climbing steeply into the air before diving back down with their tail fanned wide.
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