Black Lark

Melanocorypha yeltoniensis

Standing out on the grasslands, the male transforms into a striking black plumage during breeding season, as Central Asia's only all-black songbird.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

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.

Size

Length

17cm to 20cm

Wingspan

35cm to 40cm

Weight

45g to 80g

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Black

Secondary Colour

Brown

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Black

Primary Colour (Female)

Brown

Secondary Colour (Female)

Buff

Beak Colour (Female)

Grey

Leg Colour (Female)

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Black Lark is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Black Lark is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Black Lark is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Black Lark is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Black Lark is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Black Lark is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Black Lark can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Black Lark can be found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Black Lark is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Black Lark is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Black Lark is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Black Lark is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

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.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Arid

Distribution Map

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:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons