9.5 inches long. The Eastern Meadowlark has a sharply pointed bill. The head is buff with black stripes. The upperparts are brown with black streaks. The underparts are yellow with a black “V” on the breast. The tail is brown with white in the outer tail feathers. This white in the outer tail is more extensive than that of the very similar Western Meadowlark. See below for information on the song and calls of each species which is the best way to differentiate the species.
The Eastern Meadowlark is a common breeding bird in the Omaha area from spring through fall. However, due to habitat needs it is rare in the Forest but may occasionally be seen in the fields of adjacent Gifford Farm.
The Eastern Meadowlark frequents open habitats. It is very similar to the Western Meadowlark which also is common in the Omaha area. It is best to separate these two species by voice. The call of the Eastern Meadowlark is a melodic, slurred whistle. It is a simple, clear, “Spring of the year” as compared to the complicated, descending, warbled song of the Western Meadowlark. The call of the Eastern Meadowlark is a buzzy “zzzzrtt” as compared to the low “chuk” call of the Western Meadowlark.
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