Learn to tell the difference between Eastern and Western meadowlarks. 

Both the Eastern meadowlark and Western meadowlark can be found in Illinois. The Western is only occasional in the state, while the Eastern is common throughout. Both species have a tawny back and yellow front with a black v on their chest, sing while perched on fences and powerlines, and fly with rapid wingbeats interrupted by periods of gliding. The visual differences between the two birds are very subtle. The western meadowlark has less white in its tail, less distinct markings on its head, and is paler on its sides, but these are variable traits and the most reliable way to tell the birds apart is by their voice. Luckily they're very vocal birds. 

 

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The following Cornell Lab | Macaulay Library recordings were used in this episode: 

Eastern Meadowlark song by Wil Hershberger (ML509953) 

Eastern Meadowlark call by Ted Parker (ML509967) 

Western Meadowlark song by Geoffrey A. Keller (ML509945) 

Western Meadowlark call by Randolph Little (ML509951)