Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) photographed in Warren County on 17 December 2004 for comparison.  
Note darker/richer overall plumage, more contrasting head pattern, and yellow extending farther onto sides of upper breast and flanks. Flanks are buffy rather than whitish.  Barring on tertials and wing coverts is somewhat wider with some dark showing along feather shaft.  Yellow of throat does not extend well into malar region.