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How to Identify Birds: The Meadowlark. There are two species of meadowlarks in North America:
eastern and western. Although difficult to tell apart, these guidelines will help you
identify either one. You will need Binoculars and a field guide. Step 1. Consider the bird's
appearance through binoculars and compare it with the pictures in your field guide.
Meadowlarks are stocky with short tails; they have yellow throats, bellies, and have a black
V across their chests. The western meadowlark has a yellow mustache stripe beside its yellow
throat. Eastern meadowlarks have white mustache stripes. Step 2. Consider the bird's call.
The eastern meadowlark has a clear, melodious whistle and the western meadowlark's song
tends to be long and flute like. Step 3. Consider the region where the bird is observed. Western
meadowlarks are found from the eastern border of the plains and prairies to the Pacific
coast. The eastern meadowlark lives in the southwest and eastward from the prairies of
the Midwest and Canada to the Atlantic coast. Did you know Eastern and western meadowlarks
only recognize the songs of their particular species.