ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Eastern Meadowlark

Eastern Meadowlark

The Blackbird family probably contains more individuals than any other bird family in Ohio, but includes only a few species. This group of medium-sized walking birds has very diverse coloration and habits. The bill is long and pointed; the tail is usually rounded.

The Eastern meadowlark is monitored by the North American Breeding Bird Survey and has declined 4 percent per year in Ohio since 1966. Disturbance (e.g. mowing and haying) of existing grassland habitats during the peak of the breeding season in June is a major factor in its decline.

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Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

At-a-Glance

• Peak Breeding Activity: March-April

• Incubation: 13-15 days

• Clutch Size: 3-5 eggs

• Young Fledge: 11-12 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects and seeds

Description
The back is brown with black stripes; the breast is a bright yellow with a very conspicuous large black "V" on it. The short, wide tail has noticeable white outer feathers. Their habit when flying, of alternating flapping and sailing is a recognizable feature.

Habitat and Habits
Breeding Eastern meadowlarks are normally associated with grasslands such as lightly grazed pastures, hayfields, and reclaimed strip mines. These fields may be devoid of woody vegetation or support scattered bushes and small trees. Except when they are sitting on fence posts, these birds are seen walking in grain fields and areas of short grass where they feed on insects in the summer and seeds in the winter. The cheery "spring is here" song is a welcome sound as these familiar birds return to Ohio farmlands each spring.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Meadowlark nests are invariably placed on the ground, usually in shallow depressions under clumps of dense grasses. While courtship behavior has been observed during March, nest construction does not normally begin until the second half of April. Most clutches are produced during the first half of May and broods fledge in June. Meadowlarks normally raise two broods annually and frequently renest if their first attempt fails.