General

Western Meadowlark: Short, stocky, ground-dwelling bird with dark-streaked brown upperparts and bright yellow underparts with broad black V on breast. Crown is dark brown-and-white striped; face is white with dark eyestripes. Bill is sharply pointed. Tail is brown with white edges. Sexes are similar. Juvenile is paler with black spotting on underparts.

Range and Habitat

Western Meadowlark: Breeds from British Columbia, Manitoba, northern Michigan, and northwestern Ohio south to Missouri, central Texas, and northern Mexico; has spread eastward in recent years. Spends winters in much of its breeding range north to southern British Columbia, Utah, and Arkansas. Preferred habitats include meadows, plains, and prairies.

Breeding and Nesting

Western Meadowlark: Three to seven brown and lavender spotted, pale pink eggs are laid in a domed cup of grass and stems concealed in grass or weeds. Incubation ranges from 13 to 15 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Western Meadowlark: Eats mostly insects, spiders, and snails; also consumes seeds and vegetation. Usually forages for food while walking on the ground.

Vocalization

Western Meadowlark: Song is a rich, flute-like jumble of gurgling notes, usually descending the scale.

Similar Species

Western Meadowlark: Eastern Meadowlark has a darker body and more white on outer tail feathers.