In their 2022 checklist supplement the AOS voted to elevate the southwestern populations of Eastern Meadowlark to a full species, with the name Chihuahuan Meadowlark. it’s been recognized as a distinctive population for decades, usually under the name Lilian’s Meadowlark, but making it a full species raises the stakes and adds new emphasis to a serious identification challenge.
I’ve put together a one-page summary of the visual differences between the three species of meadowlarks, as well as regional variation in Eastern and Western meadowlarks. This is still a work in progress. Feel free to download, share, and print, and please share any feedback either in the comments or through the contact form.
Another ID note for Chihuahan is the more ochre-y yellow (some say “saffron”) on the breast. It’s not as lemony as either Eastern or Western. The auriculars of Chihuahuan are also paler with less streaking.
Hi
Will this be added to your app as part of a update?
That’s great news about the elevation of the southwestern populations of Eastern Meadowlark to a full species.