Eastern Meadowlark
NameEastern Meadowlark
Common NameEastern Meadowlark
Scientific NameSturnella magna
FamilyIcteridae
Wingspan (cm)35
Length (cm)24
Weight (g)95
Plumage DetailsThe plumage features a bright yellow throat and belly with a prominent black V-shaped band across the chest. The back and wings are streaked brown and black, providing camouflage in grassy environments. The head has a yellow supercilium and dark crown stripes, with white outer tail feathers visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a clear, slurred whistle, often described as 'spring-of-the-year' or 'oh-sweet-canada'. Calls include a sharp 'dzert' note.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across eastern North America, from southeastern Canada south through the eastern and central United States, and into parts of Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Northern populations migrate south for winter.
Identifying Featuresbright yellow breast with black V-shaped band, streaky brown and black back, long, pointed bill, white outer tail feathers visible in flight, clear, whistled song
Description
The Eastern Meadowlark is a medium-sized songbird known for its striking yellow underparts and a distinctive black V-shaped band on its chest. It typically forages on the ground in open grasslands and fields, often perching conspicuously on fence posts or utility wires to sing its clear, whistled song.
