THE O. & O. SEMI-ANNUAL. 33 
THE MEADOW LARK. 
Sturnella Magna. 
BY ©. C. MAXFIELD, WILLARD, N. Y. 
Our Eastern Meadow Lark is about ro-11 in length; wing 5 ; tail 
3 1-2; color above, in general effect, brown ; but close examination 
reveals the color of each feather to be composed of black, brown and 
yellow ; the under parts of light yellow, slightly streaked and spotted 
with black ; a large crescent of black on the breast; the outer tail 
feather of same color as upper parts, but center feathers white ; upper 
mandible straight ; lower one showing a decided angle, and when the 
mouth is open appears as though bent downward ; feet large, strong 
and light brown. In the young the general markings are similar ; but 
the colors of the feathers are not as bright and definitely marked as 
in adult birds. 
The first migrants arrive shortly after our common Robin, Bluebird 
and Song Sparrow. Notes for a number of consecutive years give 
April 2 as the earliest and April 8 as the latest. In the year 1884, a 
cold wave will account for their late arrival—April 8. For many 
years mn succession the first birds were on April 4 or 5. They are to 
be found in autumn among the latest to leave, and occasionally a 
straggler will be found in mid-winter. 
Nesting is commenced from the 15th to the 25th of June. In sey- 
en years’ collection have taken but two sets—one July 3, 1882, an- 
other July 8, 1887. The nest is placed upon the ground amongst the 
tall meadow grass and is composed entirely of fine, dry grasses, such 
as can be fourd near the nesting site, and wholly or partially covered 
with the same, but in such a flimsy manner that the eggs can be easily 
seen through the top. 
Both sets consisted of four eggs. The set taken in 1887 measures 
as follows: No. 1—1.12x.82; No. 2—1.06x81 ; No. 3—1.12x.81 ; 
No. 4—1.12.87. No. 1—General body of egg rather sparingly cov- 
ered with small, brown spots (both light and dark brown). A cluster 
of largest spots at the jarge end; each spot fully.12 in. in diameter, 
light and dark brown being intermixed in each blotch. No. 2—Most 
heavily spotted egg of the set. Blotches at large end .og in diame- 
