New York Status: Not Listed Federal Status: Not Listed This
medium-sized songbird is often seen singing from elevated
perches, such as fence posts and telephone lines, in the
grasslands of eastern North America. Adults usually range in
size from 7.5 - 10.2 inches (19-26 cm), with the males being
slightly larger than females. Males are pale brown marked with
black, and have bright-yellow underparts and a black crescent
across their chests. Females are similar in coloration, but are
slightly duller with the black crescent being more limited.
During flight, the outer white tail feathers are visible, and
their rounded wings, short tails, and long bills help
distinguish them from other grassland songbirds. Males are very
vocal during the breeding season, and their "Spring is here!"
song often indicates that winter has come to an end in New York.
Eastern Meadowlarks are sedentary throughout much of their
breeding range, and pairing tends to occur in early April. Nest
construction begins a week later, and is complet