Watercolor portrait of Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna
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

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.

How to tell it apart

Listen for: “spring-of-the-year”
Don't confuse with the Western Meadowlark. 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.

Where you'll hear it

Present year-round in the southern portions of its range; migratory in northern parts.

Grasslands, prairies, and open fields

Males sing from exposed perches through the spring and summer breeding season. Outside that season they turn quieter and shyer, and winter birds may gather in flocks; most of the range remains occupied year-round, though northern numbers thin out.

How to recognize it by sight

Eastern Meadowlarks walk through grasslands searching the ground for food, then hop onto fence posts or shrubs to send their clear, whistled song across the field.

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: 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. 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?
Males sing from exposed perches through the spring and summer breeding season. Outside that season they turn quieter and shyer, and winter birds may gather in flocks; most of the range remains occupied year-round, though northern numbers thin out.