Where its range has extended eastward beyond the Great Lakes, this bird has occasionally interbred with the Eastern Meadowlark. The two species are so similar that it was not until 1844 that Audubon noticed the difference and named the western bird neglecta because it had been overlooked for so long. Its bright colors, fearless behavior, abundance, and above all its loud, cheerful song make the Western Meadowlark one of the best known of western birds. The song is often heard on movie sound tracks even when the setting is far from the bird's range.

description 8 1/2-11" (22-28 cm). Robin-sized. Streaked brown above, bright yellow below, with a bold black V on breast. Very similar to Eastern Meadowlark, but upperparts paler, and yellow of throat extends onto cheeks. Best identified by voice.

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