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Sturnella neglecta
Both Eastern and Western Meadowlarks are found in Louisiana. Malar color can help differentiate the two in breeding plumage, but flank color is a reliable field mark in nonbreeding plumage. Eastern will be more colored, somewhat yellow on the flanks, Western more plain-colored.
Also, I would expect Eastern to show more of a facial pattern. Western can be pretty drab-faced.
Could also be Eastern Meadowlark, especially in that location. Only way to tell them apart for sure where ranges overlap is by song. Did you hear it sing?
Spotted on Dec 9, 2012
Submitted on Dec 9, 2012
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