Eastern Meadowlark
Sturnella magna

The Eastern Meadowlark is about 9 inches long and is usually seen flying away after accidentally being flushed from the ground when one walks through the vegetation. In this view, the most conspicuous features are the wide white bands at either side of the tail. When seen from the front, the meadowlark has a brilliant yellow breast with a black neck ring.

Meadowlarks feed on insects and seeds on the ground. The nest is built in a depression on the ground by the female. In is constructed from coarse grasses and lined with finer grasses; it has a domed top and an entry hole at the side. Most nests have a visible trail leading up to them. The female incubates the eggs for about two weeks.

National Audubon Society Field Guide to Birds