Eastern meadowlark Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Eastern meadowlark

In Mexico
Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Sturnella
Species:	magna

S. magna range Breeding range Year-round range
Synonyms
Alauda magna Linnaeus, 1758

The eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna) is a medium-sized bird that looks a lot like the western meadowlark. These birds live in many places, from eastern North America all the way to South America. They are most common in the eastern parts of these continents.

What Does an Eastern Meadowlark Look Like?
How to Tell Them Apart: Song and Appearance
Where Do Eastern Meadowlarks Live?
What Do Eastern Meadowlarks Eat?
Nesting and Young Birds
Conservation Efforts: Helping Meadowlarks
Gallery
Images for kids
See also

What Does an Eastern Meadowlark Look Like?

Adult eastern meadowlarks are about 19 to 28 cm (7.5 to 11.0 in) long. Their wings can spread out 35–40 cm (14–16 in) wide. They usually weigh between 76 to 150 g (2.7 to 5.3 oz).

These birds have bright yellow chests with a black "V" shape. Their sides are white with black stripes. Their backs are mostly brown with black streaks. They also have a long, pointy beak and stripes of light brown and black on their heads. Female meadowlarks are a bit smaller than males.

How to Tell Them Apart: Song and Appearance

The eastern meadowlark's song is a clear, sad whistle. It sounds simpler than the western meadowlark's song, which is more jumbled and flutey. Even though their living areas overlap in central North America, their songs are the easiest way to tell them apart.

There are also small differences in their feathers. For example, their tail patterns and the color around their cheeks are different. The pale Lilian's meadowlark, found in northern Mexico and the southwestern US, is sometimes considered a separate species.

Where Do Eastern Meadowlarks Live?

Eastern meadowlarks like to live in grasslands and prairies. You can also find them in pastures and hay fields. Many of these birds stay in the same area all year. However, those living in the northern parts of their range fly south for the winter.

In 1993, eastern meadowlarks were seen for the first time in El Salvador. By 2004, a pair was found nesting there, confirming they now live there permanently.

What Do Eastern Meadowlarks Eat?

These birds look for food on the ground or in short plants. They sometimes use their beaks to probe the ground. They mainly eat arthropods, like insects and spiders. They also eat seeds and berries. In winter, they often gather in large groups to find food.

Nesting and Young Birds

Eastern meadowlarks build their nests on the ground during the summer. They make a roof over the nest using woven grasses. Sometimes, a male meadowlark might have more than one female nesting in his area.

Conservation Efforts: Helping Meadowlarks

The number of eastern meadowlarks grew when forests were cleared in eastern North America. They adapted well to farmland areas, especially where tall grasses could grow. However, their numbers are now getting smaller because there are fewer suitable places for them to live.

On the other hand, their living area is growing in parts of Central America. They are moving towards the Pacific (western) side of the continent, especially in areas with farms.

In Nova Scotia, eastern meadowlarks are considered a species at risk. There are special farming programs to help them. Farmers can leave grassy areas in their fields to provide nesting spots for meadowlarks and other grassland birds. Waiting longer to harvest hay can also help young meadowlarks survive and leave the nest.