Bird Guide

Eastern Meadowlark vs Western Meadowlark

Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

Medium92 gGrassland

The adult eastern meadowlark measures from 19 to 28 cm (7.5 to 11.0 in) in length and spans 35–40 cm (14–16 in) across the wings. Body mass ranges from 76 to 150 g (2.7 to 5.3 oz). The extended wing bone measures 8.9–12.9 cm (3.5–5.1 in), the tail measures 5.3–8.6 cm (2.1–3.4 in), the culmen measures 2.8–3.7 cm (1.1–1.5 in) and the tarsus measures 3.6–4.7 cm (1.4–1.9 in). Females are smaller in all physical dimensions. Adults have yellow underparts with a black "V" on the breast and white flanks with black streaks. The upperparts are mainly brown with black streaks.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Diana Doyle · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nosferattus · CC0
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

Medium100 gGrassland

Western meadowlark adults have yellow underparts with a black "V" on the breast and white flanks streaked with black. Their upper parts are mostly brown, but also have black streaks. These birds have long, pointed bills and their heads are striped with light brown and black bands. Measurements: Length: 16–26 cm (6.3–10.2 in) Wingspan: 41 cm (16 in) Weight: 89–115 g (3.1–4.1 oz) These birds have a flute-like warbled song. These calls contrast with the simple, whistled call of the eastern meadowlark.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Kevin Cole from Pacific Coast, USA (en:User:Kevinlcole) · CC BY 2.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Eastern Meadowlark and Western Meadowlark.