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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. CXII
Field-journal plate: Eastern Meadowlark
The Eastern Meadowlark plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate CXII

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

Icteridae · Taxon 9528

Length19–26 cm (7.5–10.2 in)
Wingspan35–40 cm (13.8–15.8 in)
Weight90–150 g (3.2–5.3 oz)

Field marks

  1. Bright yellow throat and underparts crossed by a bold black V
  2. Heavily streaked brown-and-black back and rounded wings
  3. Striped crown with a yellow eyebrow and pale moustachial line
  4. Long, straight, spear-shaped gray bill and dark brown eye
  5. Long pale pinkish-gray legs with sturdy toes
  6. Short barred brown tail with conspicuous white outer feathers

HabitatNative grasslands, prairies, pastures, hayfields, wet meadows, agricultural fields, savannas, and other open grassy areas; nests on the ground in dense vegetation.

BehaviorWalks and stalks on the ground, probing soil and vegetation for insects; males sing from exposed perches and defend breeding territories with postures and flight displays. Often forms loose flocks outside the breeding season.

Palette

golden yellowearthy brownblackcream whitepale gray