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.

Listen to Call

Voice Text

"shee-oo-e-lee shee-ee le-ee"

Interesting Facts

 The Western Meadowlark was first described in 1844 by Audubon.

 Although it looks nearly identical to the Eastern Meadowlark, the two species rarely hybridize. Mixed pairs usually occur only at the edge of the range where few mates are available.

 A male usually has two mates at the same time. The females do all the incubation and brooding, and most of the feeding of the young.

 A group of meadowlarks are collectively known as a "pod" of meadowlarks.

Author

Gary Owen Dick

Related Birds