This bird of the fields may be seen during every month of the year.
After walking among the grasses, it may suddenly fly up and may be
identified by the conspicuous white outer tail feathers which flash in
the sunlight.
Field Marks: The black crescent upon the yellow breast of the Meadowlark
is a fine field mark. In the early morning, when a rising sun
shines upon the open meadows, this bright yellow patch seems to
be, in itself, a reflected spot of golden light. In winter, a
brownish tone, more like the dried swamp grasses, covers the
plumage.
Food: Insects form the major portion of food for this guardian of the
hay fields. Sow-bugs, weevils, grasshoppers, ticks, plant-lice and
other enemies of the farmer all fall prey to the pointed,
searching beak.
Nest: The beautiful little nest, sometimes arched over, is built of dry
grass. It lies hidden upon the ground, often defying the keenest
of eyes of hawk and man alike. The eggs are white, speckled with a
reddish brown color. They may number from four to six.
Song: The music of this ground bird is somewhat sad. A slurred whistle,
rising from the grass in spring and early summer, tells of the
hiding place of the Meadowlark, singing in a plaintive minor key.
Sometimes this song comes from the air. Its clear notes may be
heard all through the year.
_Spring o' the Year_
The Meadowlark's song is "Spring o' the year,"
As he flies o'er fields of hay;
He sings of his toil and not of the cheer
That lies in a land far away.
Remarks: The protective coloration of the Meadowlark is of great help to
the bird. The soft brown and ground colors aid it in escaping such
enemies as Hawks and other preying creatures. To a soaring bird of
prey, the Meadowlark must seem to be only a section of the ground
upon which it walks.
[Illustration: _The Meadowlark--10¾ inches_]