The genus Leistes are predominantly South American grassland birds called meadowlarks.

It includes five species of largely insectivorous grassland birds.

In all species the male at least has a black or brown back and extensively red underparts.

By the late 20th century, all meadowlarks were lumped in the genus Sturnella.

In 2017, all the red-breasted meadowlarks were merged into the genus Leistes.