EASTERN MEADOWLARK 57 



three females, this common feeding ground was shared. In each 

 territory, however, the area of land used regularly was the same, 6 

 acres. 



Important to the male are the various commanding perches from 

 which he can survey his territory. Telephone wires or electric power 

 lines with unobstructed views often furnish favorite song and lookout 

 posts. Mounds of earth, farm implements, and fence posts provide 

 perches near the ground. During the first few days of his occupancy 

 he visits them from time to time and selects one for his primary head- 

 quarters. Here he sings and watches during the day, usually roosting 

 nearby at night. This territorial center is frequented faithfully during 

 the entire season, unless his routine is changed by polygamy, in which 

 case secondary headquarters are often established nearer his mates. 

 As he may have as many as three females, each having two broods, the 

 chief center of interest in the territory may change as each female 

 reaches the peak of sexual responsiveness. 



By intimidating songs and alarms, displays and disputes, the male 

 meadowlark defends his domain against the encroachment of covetous 

 rivals. It is clear that from the beginning of his tenure the male has a 

 definite conception of his territorial acreage and chases all resident 

 males of his species beyond these boundaries. The competitors may 

 come to blows, but it is usually a matter of vehement displays or com- 

 petitive singing, ending when the vanquished bud takes wing. The 

 loser may be pursued rapidly as far as the boundary line; the victorious 

 male then returns to the sentinel station, singing a spirited flight song 

 as he flies. G. B. Saunders (MS., see p. 56) describes a territorial 

 flight he observed on March 25, 1929 : "My attention was drawn to two 

 birds fighting savagely in the grass. From a distance I could see the 

 flashing white rectrices and was able to identify them as meadowlarks. 

 One male was on top of the other jabbing him fiercely with his long 

 bill. Then they rolled about for a moment wrestling and stabbing 

 with their feet locked together. Instead of taking wing they hopped 

 at each other, grappled, and again fell on their sides. Wings were 

 held loosely and white tail feathers flashed repeatedly as their tails 

 opened and closed spasmodically. After more than a minute of jab- 

 bing, one bird arose and flew, pursued hotly by the victorious contest- 

 ant who gave a jubilant flight song during the chase." 



Courtship. — The arrival of the females on the breeding territory 

 stimulates the resident males, who by this time are well prepared for 

 an animated and lively courtship, to a frenzied rivalry that often 

 becomes furious. Two rival males have been seen tumbling about on 

 the ground on their backs with their feet firmly locked together, 

 striking at each other with their bills in mortal combat. 



The courtship is featured by elaborate displays, spectacular flights, 



