400 University of California Publications in Zoology [Vol. ii 



for the first time. Field investigation has been fruitful of an 

 increased knowledge of the general habits, nesting habits, abun- 

 dance, depredations, and distribution of the western meadowlark. 

 The handling of so large a number of specimens taken from 

 all parts of the state and during each month of the year has 

 furnished information as to variation, albinism, parasitism, and 

 malformation. Critical evidence as to the value of certain so- 

 called protective adaptations of insects has also been afforded. 

 The investigation of the relation of birds to insect outbreaks 

 has emphasized their importance at such times and furnished 

 critical evidence as to the interrelations of these organisms. 



THE WESTERN MEADOWLARK {STVRNELLA 

 NEGLECT A) 



In spite of its name, the western meadowlark is not a true 

 lark, but belongs to the family Icteridae along with the black- 

 birds and orioles. It is easily recognized by its medium size, 

 gray- and brown-streaked back, brilliant yellow throat, black 

 V-shaped collar, and its conspicuous white outer rectrices. 



The meadowlark is widely distributed over North America. 

 The eastern meadowlark {Sturnella magna magna) differs from 

 the one found in the west in size, color, and song. The western 

 meadowlark is slightly larger than the eastern bird, is paler in 

 color, and has a much richer song. For these reasons the western 

 form is considered a distinct species and is called the western 

 meadowlark {Sturnella veglecta). 



It is found from Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, etc., M'est 

 to the Pacific Coast, and from central and western Mexico to 

 British Columbia and western Canada. It is to be found through- 

 out the State of California from sea level to 7000 feet elevation 

 in the mountains. 



The western meadowlark is resident throughout the year. A 

 slight altitudinal migration perhaps takes place, governed largely 

 by the available food supply, but usually the bird is to be found 

 in the same general locality throughout the year. 



