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Eremophila alpestris leucolaema is one of the many horned lark subspecies found throughout North America. As seen in this individual, the subspecies is characterized by their pale yellow throat, white eyebrow, pale pink nape, greyish white auriculars, and more ochraeous upperparts (Birds of the World 2024; Olberhoser 1902). Unlike the 3 completely migratory North American subspecies, E. a. leucolaema is mostly resident, breeding from southern Alberta, east to western Minnesota; south to central Colorado and eastern New Mexico. In the winter, their range extends as far as southern Texas and Sonora, Mexico (American Ornithologists' Union, 1957; Birds of the world, 2024; and Olberhoser 1902). Interestingly, suggestions have been made to synonymize E. a. leucolaema with E. a. enthymia (the Saskatchewan horned lark). If this were to occur, the latter would likely become a junior synonym of the former (with E. a. leucolaema described by Coues in 1874, while E. a. enthymia was described by Oberholser in 1902).

Location
breeds mainly in the eastern United States, ranging as far south as Florida and as far north as Canada

Eating

1. These birds mainly search out arthropods on tree trunks. They may also catch insects in flight. They are omnivores, eating insects, fruits, nuts and seeds
2. he red-bellied woodpecker is able to pull out beetles and other insects from the tree with the help of its long tongue. This behavior is also seen for storing food from other animals by hiding food behind bark or deep in cracks of a tree

Interesting

1. Their breeding habitat is usually deciduous forests. They nest in the decayed cavities of dead trees, old stumps, or in live trees that have softer wood such as elms, maples, or willows; both sexes assist in digging nesting cavities. Areas around nest sites are marked with drilling holes to warn others away.
2. Researchers have documented that red-bellied woodpeckers have the tendency to nest in clear areas with only few trees
3. Red-bellied woodpeckers are territorial during the nesting season and they breed once per year
4. Red-bellied woodpeckers depend on dead trees for nesting

Relationships
the red-bellied woodpeckers are known to be in monogamous relationships

Role in ecosystem

1. The red-bellied woodpecker excavates holes in trees for nesting and roosting.[13] By excavating cavities, they play an important role in the forest communities for other species as well.[14] For example, species such as squirrels and bats use these cavities as shelter
2. The red-bellied woodpecker is a major predator of the invasive emerald ash borer in the U.S. Midwest, removing up to 85 percent of borer larvae in a single infested ash tree.

Matching with my picture/observation:

1. Areas around nest sites are marked with drilling holes to warn others away.
2. tendency to nest in clear areas with only few trees