The Flickr Grasslandbirds Image Generatr

A Lark Sparrow rests on a sunlit, lichen-covered rock surrounded by fresh spring growth at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

I photographed this distinctive sparrow during the golden hour, when the warm light brought out the subtle tones of its plumage and the rugged texture of the rock beneath it.

Lark Sparrows are easily recognized by their bold facial markings and patterned crown. Though often overlooked, they’re one of the most striking sparrows in the central U.S. and a treat to find in open grassland habitats like this.

Two greylag geese resting quietly in a patch of fresh spring grass. Their stillness and symmetry offered a simple yet striking glimpse of nature's slower pace. Sometimes, beauty lies in calm moments shared.

he Black-billed Magpie: bold, beautiful, and full of personality! Watching Me even now

The black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia), also known as the American magpie, is a bird in the corvid family found in the western half of North America. It is black and white, with the wings and tail showing black areas and iridescent hints of blue and blue-green.

The meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) is a small, streaky brown songbird commonly found in grasslands, moorlands, and coastal areas. It is one of the most widespread songbirds in the UK, known for its fluttering flight and high-pitched calls. Meadow pipits are important hosts for the common cuckoo, which lays its eggs in their nests. Despite their small size, some individuals migrate over 1,000 kilometers between breeding and wintering grounds. Their population has been declining since the mid-1970s, leading to their inclusion on the Amber List of conservation concern.

The short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) is a medium-sized owl with mottled brown plumage, pale underwings, and striking yellow eyes. Unlike many owls, it is often seen hunting during the day, particularly in open habitats like grasslands, moorlands, and coastal marshes.
Short-eared owls are ground nesters, creating shallow scrapes lined with vegetation. Their population fluctuates based on vole abundance, as these small mammals form a significant part of their diet. In winter, numbers increase in the UK as birds migrate from Scandinavia, Russia, and Iceland.
They are classified as an Amber List species due to conservation concerns

Skylarks (Alauda arvensis) are small, ground-nesting birds known for their spectacular song-flights. Males ascend high into the sky while singing continuously, sometimes for several minutes, before descending to the ground. They have streaked brown plumage, which helps them blend into grasslands and farmland. Skylarks primarily feed on seeds and insects, making them an important species in maintaining ecological balance. Unfortunately, their populations have declined in recent decades due to habitat loss and changes in farming practices. They remain an iconic bird in poetry and literature, often symbolizing freedom and joy.

Skylarks (Alauda arvensis) are small, ground-nesting birds known for their spectacular song-flights. Males ascend high into the sky while singing continuously, sometimes for several minutes, before descending to the ground. They have streaked brown plumage, which helps them blend into grasslands and farmland. Skylarks primarily feed on seeds and insects, making them an important species in maintaining ecological balance. Unfortunately, their populations have declined in recent decades due to habitat loss and changes in farming practices. They remain an iconic bird in poetry and literature, often symbolizing freedom and joy.

A group of Demoiselle Cranes (Anthropoides virgo) stands gracefully in the vast steppe. These elegant cranes, known for their long migrations, breed in open grasslands, where they often share their habitat with larks and other steppe birds. A perfect moment capturing the essence of Mongolia’s open landscapes.

A male Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) sings from the grass, announcing the arrival of spring. With its distinctive black "horns" and soft yellow face, this ground-dwelling songbird thrives in open landscapes. During the breeding season, males perform aerial displays and melodious calls to attract mates.

Charadrius vociferus. Its name refers to its call. Merritt NWR, Titusville, FL. Winter resident. Widespread.

Charadrius vociferus. Its name refers to its call. Merritt NWR, Titusville, FL. Winter resident. Widespread.

Spizella pusilla. This little guy breeds in the area and was once a common bird in open country (old fields, grasslands) but is now in STEEP DECLINE due to loss of habitat. It has a melodious song during the breeding season. Napeague, NY.

Eremophila alpestris. Male. A winter visitor, often in large flocks, that breeds in the north. Likes open even barren ground. COMMON BIRD IN STEEP DECLINE due to loss of habitat. This one is feeding in short grass along the South Shore of Long Island, NY.

Perched atop a mullein flower, this demure sparrow sings his quiet, insect-like "tssk-lik" song over a brushy, weedy field in central Connecticut. Although not considered of concern range-wide (most of the lower 48 states east of the Rockies), Grasshopper Sparrows are a State-Endangered species here in Connecticut due to loss of suitable habitat as abandoned fields pass through the early succession stages the bird favors.

Bristol Connecticut, Jul 2019. © C.S. Wood

A male Eastern Meadowlark calling from a fence along Wiley Road.

Carden,Ontario
Canada

Along the Shrike Road North.

Carden,Ontario
Canada

Topsmead State Forest Litchfield Connecticut, May 2024. © C.S. Wood

One of my winter favorites on the hunt.

It is always a blessing to be in the presence of lekking threatened Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse. The sounds, the dance… it is all so magical to be a witness to it. Grassland birds are suffering steep declines across their range and are impacted by agriculture, development, pesticides, climate change and fires. 60% of grassland birds in Canada have disappeared since the 1970’s. We must do all we can to conserve and save our grassland habitats so that grassland birds and these grouse in particular can dance on and thrive.
These photos were taken from a blind to prevent any disturbance. The lek was approached before the grouse arrived (an hour before sunrise) and I left after the last grouse departed. It is tiring and your body aches but it is worth it to share in the magic. The beautiful chevrons on their feathers, the yellow eye-combs, the purple air sacs are all splendid and awe inspiring. The boldness of the sounds and dances they make with their stamping feet, outstretched wings and pointed upright tails of a normally secretive species is something to behold.