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Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) -- Common and similar to Eastern Meadowlark in plumage, habits, and habitat, but yellow of the throat extends farther onto the cheek. Where both species occur together in winter flocks, the Western can be told by its paler back
and tail. These birds are robin-sized, about 8 to 11 inches long. Their coloration is streaked brown above, bright yellow below. Watch for the black V on the yellow breast. They can best be identified by their voice, which is a rich flute-like series of loud, cheerful notes, usually descending the scale; very different from the Eastern Meadowlark's series of simple, plaintive whistles.
The Meadowlark frequents meadows, plains and prairies. They feed on grain and wild grass seeds, wild fruits, grasshoppers and other insects.
The female lays 3-7 white eggs, with dark brown and purple spots, in a domed cup of grass and weed stems concealed in grass or weeds.
The Western Meadowlark breeds from British Columbia, Manitoba, northern Michigan, and northwestern Ohio south to Missouri, central Texas, and northern Mexico. This species has spread eastward in recent years. Winters in much of breeding range north to southern British Columbia, Utah, and Arkansas.
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Order: Passeriformes | Family: Icteridae | Species: Sturnella neglecta
