The eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna ) is a medium-sized blackbird (family: Icteridae), very similar in appearance to sister It occurs from eastern North America to northern South America, where it is also most widespread in the east.
Appearance
Eastern meadowlarks are medium-sized songbirds often heard during summer, singing their sweet, lazy song across grasslands and farms. Adults have yellow underparts with a black “V” on the breast and white flanks with black streaks. The upperparts are mainly brown in color with black streaks. Meadowlarks have a long pointed bill, dark brown eyes, and their head is striped with light brown and black.
Eastern meadowlarks are found from eastern North America to South America, where they are also most widespread in the east. These birds are permanent residents throughout much of their range, though most northern populations migrate southwards in winter. Eastern meadowlarks inhabit mainly grasslands and prairie, but can also be found in shrublands, meadows, pastures, hayfields, and other grassy areas.
Habits and Lifestyle
Eastern meadowlarks are shy diurnal birds that spend most of their time in tall grasses searching for food. They forage on the ground or in thick vegetation, sometimes probing with the bill. Eastern meadowlarks are social and in winter, they often feed in flocks. These are very vocal birds that use a variety of songs and calls to communicate with each other. Their song consists of pure, melancholy whistles, and when alarmed Eastern meadowlarks produce a short buzzy call.
