Melanocorypha yeltoniensis
The Black Lark is a striking bird with pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males are almost entirely black, with a slightly curved bill and robust build. Their plumage takes on a glossy sheen during the breeding season.
Females are significantly different, with brown upperparts streaked with darker markings and buff-coloured breasts with fine streaks. Both sexes have relatively short tails and strong legs suited for ground-dwelling.
During the winter, males moult into a plumage similar to females.
Length
17cm to 20cm
Wingspan
35cm to 40cm
Weight
45g to 80g
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Black Larks inhabit the steppes and semi-desert regions of Central Asia, ranging from the Volga region in Russia to Kazakhstan and northwestern China. They prefer open, flat or gently rolling grasslands with sparse vegetation.
During winter, some populations move southward within their range, seeking areas with less snow cover. They are rarely seen in Western Europe, making them a sought-after species for birdwatchers in those regions.
Up to 1,000 meters
Temperate, Arid
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Black Lark. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you: