Brownish and cryptically patterned above, bright yellow below, with a bold black V on breast and striped head. In flight, note white outer tail feathers. Sexes are similar. Best distinguished from Eastern Meadowlark by range and voice, though Western averages whiter flanks with spottier sides, yellower sides of throat, and less white in outer tail feathers.

Length: 24 (cm) Wingspan: 36 (cm)

Voice:

Rich, warbled phrase, accelerating toward the end, lower than Eastern Meadowlark's song. Call note a short chuck.

Habitat:

Fields, grasslands, pastures, agricultural areas, prairie, meadows, sagebrush.

Behavior:

Usually on ground or fenceposts. Hard to find dome-shaped nest placed on ground among thick grasses. When flushed from their nest, adults typically run several meters before taking flight. Sometimes flocks loosely with starlings in winter.

Feeding:

Feeds on the ground; eats seeds and insects.