eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• Length: 8.5 inches

• Sharply-pointed bill

• Buff and black head stripes

• Yellow underparts with black "v" on breast

• White flanks with black streaks

• Brown upperparts with black streaks

• Brown tail with white outer tail feathers

• Juvenile and winter plumages somewhat duller

• Frequents open habitats

Similar species:

The eastern meadowlark is very similar to the western meadowlark.
Where their ranges overlap, they are best separated by voice. Western
meadowlark has yellow throat extending slightly farther into face than
eastern. Male dickcissel is much smaller with a conical bill and lacks
white in the tail.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Short distance migrant
Breeding Habitat: Grassland
Nest Location: Ground-low nesting
Nest Type: Open-cup
Clutch Size: 3-5
Length of Incubation: 13-15 days
Days to Fledge: 11-12
Number of Broods: 2
Diet: Primarily insects; lesser quantities of seeds

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May C
      Su - Summer: June, July, August C
      Fall: September, October, November C

      Winter: December, January, February C

 

 

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