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Let’s say you’re taking a walk down a prairie road in early June. The land is fairly flat, there are few if any trees or shrubs taller than a couple feet.
In a field alongside you, you begin to hear this song...
It’s faint, and sounds a bit garbled and fast. You’re not quite so sure where this song is coming from, or which of the numerous prairie species this might be. Longspurs, larks, sparrows, meadowlarks — out here they can all sound rather muted and hurried in their song. Luckily, the songster decides to move from its hidden perch on a very low growing shrub to a nearby fence post, and you hear it again...
It’s a big bird. Larger than an American Robin, brown in the back, yellow in the front with a bold black bib across its chest.
I looked up some mnemonics for this species — one that came up that actually fits well is “Hey, why don’t you come to me?” Of course, this species can have plenty of variations in its song, so your mileage may vary.
One thing always stands out to me though — is just how strongly flutelike the voice of the Western Meadowlark sounds. It tends to be a much bolder song, when compared to the other songbird species it is often found alongside with. And, if you’re used to the Eastern Meadowlark, it is a much more rushed and much less contemplative of a song.
Let’s listen to the rapid warbles of the Western Meadowlark!
Learning to identify birdsong by ear can be a satisfying skill for anyone who has interest in birds and nature. In this podcast, birdsong recordist Rob Porter introduces you to the songs found in various habitats across North America.
Recordings are by Rob Porter.
Cover art is by Lauren Helton. https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/