What does the Eastern Meadowlark eat?

The Eastern Meadowlark's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Omnivore, primarily insectivorous during the breeding season, supplementing with seeds and grains in winter.

How it forages

Forages primarily on the ground, walking or running through grass, probing the soil with its long bill for insects. It also gleans insects from vegetation and occasionally catches flying insects. During winter, it consumes a higher proportion of seeds and grains. Diet includes grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, caterpillars, spiders, and various seeds.

When it feeds

Diurnal, most active during daylight hours, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.

Explore the Eastern Meadowlark