Connecticut Audubon Bird Finder for April 25: Eastern Meadowlark

Eastern Meadowlark
Sturnella magna

Written by Andy Rzeznikiewicz, Sanctuary Manager at Connecticut Audubon Society’s Center at Pomfret

Where to find it: Eastern Meadowlarks are usually found in large fields in excess of 20 acres during the nesting season. Listed as threatened by the state of Connecticut, they have become harder to find throughout their range in recent decades because of earlier hay harvesting in the meadows they nest in, and conversion of habitat to croplands and development. Connecticut Audubon Society’s Bafflin Sanctuary, in Pomfret, is one of the most reliable places in the state to find nesting meadowlarks. Other locations with a history of nesting are Rentschler Field in East Hartford and Thompson Dam in Thompson. Fortunately the Army Corp of Engineers, which manages the Thompson Dam, mows its fields after the nesting season to protect meadowlarks, Bobolinks, and Savannah Sparrows.

How to find it: In Pomfret, the birds use the large fields that surround the center, on Day Road. They are mostly heard singing from perches at the edge of the field or the few scattered shrubs in the field. If you visit in late June or July the meadowlarks are often flushed from along the trail behind the center. Join us on one of the many organized bird walks we hold at the center and you will be almost guaranteed to see and hear them.

What it looks like: The Eastern Meadowlark is about the size of a robin, with a bright yellow underside and a black V on the chest. Its back is a mottled brown to help it hide in the grasses. In flight, its series of rapid wing beats followed by gliding is unique. Usually this flight is observed low over the field. When you observe it flying, look at the outer tail feathers, which are white and which contrast with the darker central tail feathers. The Eastern Meadowlark’s song is a very musical call that carries over the field, a good indicator of where to look.

What if the bird isn’t there? Fortunately many interesting bird species nest around the Center at Pomfret and along the various trails. American Kestrel, Tree Swallows, Eastern Bluebird, Savannah Sparrow, Black and White Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Red-tailed Hawks all arrived back at the preserve this week. Many other species, such as Yellow Warbler, Orchard Oriole, and Black-throated Green Warbler, are expected to show up in the next week.

Connecticut Audubon Bird Finder is edited by Tom Andersen
Photo by Mathew Paulson, Carolinabirds.org