Watercolor portrait of Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta
Year-round resident from the Great Plain… Open grasslands, native prairies, pastur… common Fluting Cascade

Learn to identify the Western Meadowlark by ear. Master the "sweet-sweet, goo-la-dee, goo-la-dee-loo" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“sweet-sweet, goo-la-dee, goo-la-dee-loo”

What the Western Meadowlark sounds like

The Western Meadowlark is a robust, starling-sized member of the blackbird family with a stocky body, short tail, and a long, sturdy bill that tapers to a fine point. Its brilliant lemon-yellow throat and belly are bisected by a bold black "V" on the chest, while the upperparts are intricately patterned with buff, brown, and black streaks that provide excellent camouflage among grasses. In flight it shows white outer tail feathers and slow, fluttering wing beats. Males sing a rich, melodious song from fence posts and shrubs, proclaiming territories across the open landscapes of western and central North America.

“sweet-sweet, goo-la-dee, goo-la-dee-loo”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A rich, gurgling series of mellow flute-like notes that accelerate then trail off; males deliver from prominent perches or in flight at dawn and early morning. Often written as “sweet-sweet, goo-la-dee, goo-la-dee-loo”.
Don't confuse with:The Eastern Meadowlark — song is simple, clear whistles instead of complex flute-like phrases.

Where you'll hear it

Open grasslands, native prairies, pastures, hayfields, agricultural stubble, sagebrush flats, and road edges; usually where grasses are knee-high or shorter and scattered shrubs or fence posts offer perches.

Arrives on breeding grounds as soon as snow melts (March–April); peak nesting April–July with second broods possible; post-breeding flocks form by late summer; southward movements September–November; winter flocks roam stubble fields and prairies December–February.

Similar species

Eastern Meadowlark

Song is simple, clear whistles instead of complex flute-like phrases.

Lilian’s Meadowlark

Paler upperparts and less contrasting streaking.

Horned Lark

Smaller, slimmer, with black face mask and tiny feather "horns."

Western Meadowlark song FAQ

What does a Western Meadowlark sound like?
A rich, gurgling series of mellow flute-like notes that accelerate then trail off; males deliver from prominent perches or in flight at dawn and early morning. Listen for the "sweet-sweet, goo-la-dee, goo-la-dee-loo" phrase.
How do I tell a Western Meadowlark from a Eastern Meadowlark by sound?
Eastern Meadowlark: Song is simple, clear whistles instead of complex flute-like phrases.; White in tail shows more extensive, up to half the tail’s length.; Range overlaps in central Great Plains but Eastern prefers moister grasslands..
When is the best time to hear a Western Meadowlark?
Arrives on breeding grounds as soon as snow melts (March–April); peak nesting April–July with second broods possible; post-breeding flocks form by late summer; southward movements September–November; winter flocks roam stubble fields and prairies December–February.