Eastern meadowlark numbers have dropped a whopping 89 percent between 1966 and 2015

For generations of Missouri farmers, an enjoyable sign that spring was transitioning into summer was the crisp, clear call of a meadowlark perched on a nearby fencepost. However, that call is becoming alarmingly less common throughout the region. Many people are familiar with the decrease of the greater prairie-chicken throughout much of the central U.S. and most have also heard about the steadily worsening quail situation for the same area. However, unless you’re a birding enthusiast, you’re likely unaware of the downward spiral of eastern meadowlark numbers. This decline may be surprising to some because these yellow-breasted birds can still be seen in pastures, meadows and hayfields across southwest Missouri. However, data shows that this bird’s melodic call is definitely being heard with less frequency. The eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna) ranks sixth on the National Audubon Society’s list of top 20 common North American birds in decline. According to surveys, the continent’s eastern meadowlark numbers have dropped a whopping 89 percent between 1966 and 2015.

Source: Waynesville Daily Guide, May 2, 2017
http://www.waynesvilledailyguide.com/news/20170501/decline-of-eastern-m…