Field Marks: 9.5 in. Meadowlarks are common, short-tailed, long-billed birds of meadows and fields. Both species show a striking black V on yellow breast and conspicuous white outer tail feathers. Flight style characteristic; consists of series of rapid, stiff wingbeats broken by brief glides with wings held rigidly downward. Easily seen from roads, where it flushes before approaching cars, or singing from posts or fences, where it perches on stocky legs. Two species best separated by voice. All plumages have long, pointed bill. Adults have head striped with black and white, with no yellow; lores, throat, and underparts mostly bright yellow, with striking black V on breast; upperparts streaked and blotched with browns, buff, and white; tail short with obvious white outer feathers. Song has several clear, whistled, descending notes: "see-you, see-yeer" Diagnostic call a twangy, buzzy "dzert"; also gives buzzy rattle in flight.
Range: Breeds from Minnesota east to central Maine and south to Arizona and Florida. Northern birds move south in winter.
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