Long-tailed Meadowlark (Leistes loyca)

The long-tailed meadowlark forages on the ground for a variety insects and seeds (3). It is a conspicuous species that usually forms small flocks, except when breeding, and commonly uses trees, shrubs, poles and fences as perches (2). These perches, which are thought to be an essential component of this species' habitat, are used for calling and singing (2) (3). As is typical of species in this noisy family (6), the long-tailed meadow lark's song is loud and wheezy (2). Nests of the long-tailed meadowlark are known to be parasitized by the shiny cowbird, which lay their own eggs in the meadowlark's nests (7) (8). This sometimes results in meadowlark adults unwittingly incubating the eggs of the shiny cowbird, and rearing its young (8).

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