Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* 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.