Watercolor portrait of Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna
Present year-round in the southern porti… Grasslands, prairies, and open fields Common Song

Learn to identify the Eastern Meadowlark by ear. Master the "spring-of-the-year" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“spring-of-the-year”

What the Eastern Meadowlark sounds like

Eastern Meadowlarks are primarily ground-dwelling birds that forage for food on the ground. They are known for their distinctive song, which is a clear, whistled call that can be heard from perches such as fence posts or shrubs at field edges.

“spring-of-the-year”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A clear, flute-like whistle consisting of 3–5 pure, slurred notes that descend in pitch. Many people hear it as the phrase 'spring-of-the-year' or 'see-you, see-yeeer'. Males have a repertoire of similar songs and sing from exposed perches to defend their territory. Often written as “spring-of-the-year”.
Don't confuse with:The Western Meadowlark — nearly identical in looks; western meadowlark has very similar plumage with a yellow breast and black v. differences include western having more yellow extending onto the lower face (yellow malar stripe) and generally slightly paler overall coloration.

Where you'll hear it

Grasslands, prairies, and open fields

Most active during daylight hours, foraging on the ground in grasslands and singing from exposed perches.

Similar species

Western Meadowlark

Nearly identical in looks; Western Meadowlark has very similar plumage with a yellow breast and black V. Differences include Western having more yellow extending onto the lower face (yellow malar stripe) and generally slightly paler overall coloration.

Savannah Sparrow

A much smaller bird (sparrow-sized) that could be in the same grassy habitat.

Eastern Meadowlark song FAQ

What does an Eastern Meadowlark sound like?
A clear, flute-like whistle consisting of 3–5 pure, slurred notes that descend in pitch. Many people hear it as the phrase 'spring-of-the-year' or 'see-you, see-yeeer'. Males have a repertoire of similar songs and sing from exposed perches to defend their territory. Listen for the "spring-of-the-year" phrase.
How do I tell an Eastern Meadowlark from a Western Meadowlark by sound?
Western Meadowlark: Nearly identical in looks; Western Meadowlark has very similar plumage with a yellow breast and black V. Differences include Western having more yellow extending onto the lower face (yellow malar stripe) and generally slightly paler overall coloration.; The surest distinction is the song: Western's song is a more complex, flute-like melody with gurgling notes, whereas Eastern's is a simpler whistled sequence.; Ranges overlap minimally in central parts of the continent. In overlap zones, observers rely on song or subtle differences in face coloration to differentiate them..
When is the best time to hear an Eastern Meadowlark?
Most active during daylight hours, foraging on the ground in grasslands and singing from exposed perches.