501. Sturnella magna 

 MEADOW LARK. 10 1-2 inches 



Male and Female alike. Above brown and buff mottled; broad 

 dark stripes on the head ; outer tail feathers white. Below bright yel- 

 low; sides white, spotted with black ; black crescent on the breast. 

 Flight straight but heavy, hovering as it alights. Walks and is 

 much on the ground. Common in Massachu- 

 setts. Arrives about the middle of March. 

 Song. Liquid and plaintive. Also has chuck- 

 ling notes. 



Nest. On the ground partially covered, in 

 hayfields or pastures. 



Breeds. In southern New England, sparingly 

 north of Massachusetts. Often winters near the 

 coast. 



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