Montana's state bird, the Western Meadowlark (Sturnelia neglecta), is known for its loud, cheerful chirps.  About as big as a robin, it has a bright yellow chest and throat under a black collar.  Between 3 and 7 white eggs with purple and brown spots are laid in its nest on the ground.  The eggs only take 2 weeks to hatch.  It can be found in open meadows in the Midwest and West.  Lewis and Clark were the first to write about the western meadowlark back in 1805, but it took until 1931 to be selected as the state bird.  Their peculiar flight habits, several short, rapid wing beats alternated with brief periods of sailing, also make the western meadowlark very recognizable.  The perennial Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva) was adopted in 1895 as the Montana state flower.  One of the loveliest of wildflowers, the exquisite white or rose-pink blossoms appear from spring to summer.  Native Americans used its roots for food and trade.  Tribes dug up the roots and dried them so they could be kept and used for months.  The root was too bitter to eat unless it was cooked, and it was usually mixed with berries or meat.