Eastern Meadowlark Sounds

Overview
ID info
Life History
Maps
Sounds

Song (Eastern)
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Georgia, May 04, 2016Recorded by Robert Bethel / Macaulay Library
Song (Eastern)
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Maryland, June 03, 2015Recorded by Wil Hershberger / Macaulay Library
Song (Eastern)
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New York, May 28, 1998Recorded by Randolph Little / Macaulay Library
Song (Eastern)
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Guárico, August 16, 1964Recorded by Paul A. Schwartz / Macaulay Library
Flight song (Eastern)
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Florida, May 24, 2016Recorded by Paul Marvin / Macaulay Library
Calls (Eastern)
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Florida, March 22, 2011Recorded by Bob McGuire / Macaulay Library
Calls (Eastern)
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New York, June 12, 2017Recorded by John Patterson / Macaulay Library
Calls (Eastern)
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New York, April 16, 2019Recorded by Jay McGowan / Macaulay Library
Flight calls (Eastern)
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New Jersey, October 19, 2001Recorded by Michael O'Brien
Song (Cuban)
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Camagüey, April 11, 2013Recorded by Tim Burr / Macaulay Library
Calls (Cuban)
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Las Tunas, April 22, 2007Recorded by Mike Andersen / Macaulay Library

Sounds provided by Macaulay Library.
Listen to more sounds of this species from the ML archive.

Songs

The male Eastern Meadowlark’s primary song consists of 3 to 5 (sometimes up to 8) pure and plaintive flutelike whistles all slurred together and gradually dropping in pitch, up to 2 seconds long. Male have a repertoire of songs, singing one song repeatedly for a time and then switching to a different version. They typically sing from an exposed perch, but occasionally sing in flight as well.

Calls

Eastern Meadowlarks give a single, sharp dzert note when humans or other meadowlarks intrude on their territory. Another distinctive sound is a harsh chatter that lasts 1.5 seconds and is given by both males and females. Both sexes have a series of weet calls that they give while in flight.