Western Meadowlark?12-31, Eastern NE, cornfield (1 Viewer)

Hello! Is this a Western Meadowlark? Spotted 12-31-15 in an eastern Nebraska cornfield. Photo shows two birds facing opposite directions. Thanks
very much for your help!

Kelly

The Eastern and Western are very difficult to distinguish visually and either might be found in eastern NE. Therefore final ID by voice is your best bet. Probably not singing at this time of year though. Just as a guess, I would lean more toward juv. Eastern due to the speckling on the breast and less prominent black chevron. I wouldn't count as either though without the voice ID.

Thanks Owen. They were making what I'll call a peeping sound, a warning/alarmish, keep your eyes open call. The only Meadowlark Ive ever heard was a breeding male territorial call.

Thank you very much for your help.

Happy New Year!

Kelly