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Meadowlark — Part 2
Adult--Summer plumage: Back and head warm lightish brown, marked with black and brown; yellow line from the bill over the eye, dark brown line from eye to back of neck; throat and breast bright yellow; with black crescent on breast beginning above bend of wing; tail--outside feathers white or partly white, middle feathers light brown with dark transverse markings. The winter plumage is much less brilliant. Length--10.75.
Breeding Range--Throughout the Eastern States.
The nest is built on the ground in open fields, generally where there is high grass or young grain. It is formed of grass and is frequently arched or partly so.
The eggs, varying from 4 to 6 in number, are white, speckled chiefly at the larger end with reddish brown and lilac. Size--1.10 x .80. See Fig. 7, Plate C.
The Meadowlark's nest is not easy to find, even where the birds are plentiful, and unless the old bird is seen to rise from it, and the place is then very carefully marked, many weary miles may be walked through grassy fields without a nest being discovered. Built entirely of grass, and placed in a tuft of tall grass or grain, it is difficult to see even when the nest is an open one, but when arched or covered, and with a winding hidden passage leading to the opening, which is on the side, it is decidedly inconspicuous.
In the neighbourhood of New York the breeding season begins early in May.