The Chihuahuan Meadowlark, a close relative of the Eastern (Sturnella magna) and Western (Sturnella neglecta) Meadowlarks, occurs in Arizona as a rare resident primarily in the extreme southeastern portion of the state, especially near the San Rafael Valley and adjacent grasslands. Once considered a subspecies of the Eastern Meadowlark, it is now treated as a distinct species, notable for its distinctive vocalizations—a more complex, gurgling song compared to the simple whistles of the Eastern. In appearance, it resembles other meadowlarks with streaked brown upperparts, yellow underparts with a black "V" across the chest, and white outer tail feathers, but the differences are subtle and most easily confirmed by song. In Arizona, S. lilianae occupies open desert grasslands and lightly grazed prairies, often perching on fences or shrubs to sing during the breeding season. Sightings are localized, and its restricted range and specialized habitat make it one of the state’s more difficult grassland birds to encounter.
