Black Lark
Melanocorypha yeltoniensis
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
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Quite agile on the ground with swift running capabilities and impressive aerial manoeuvrability during courtship displays. Their ability to navigate both terrestrial and aerial environments effectively demonstrates solid agility, though they spend more time on the ground than in the air.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Moderate strength for their size, evidenced by their robust build and ability to perform sustained flight displays. Their strong legs enable effective ground movement, though they're not particularly powerful compared to many other bird species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable to harsh steppe and semi-desert environments, with the ability to adjust their diet seasonally between seeds and insects. Their capacity to survive in various grassland habitats and cope with seasonal changes, including winter movements, shows remarkable adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Moderately aggressive during breeding season, with males establishing and defending territories. However, their social nature outside breeding season, forming small flocks, suggests they're not overly aggressive by nature.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Good endurance demonstrated through their sustained courtship flights, long-distance seasonal movements, and ability to forage extensively on foot. Their capacity to thrive in harsh steppe environments and perform extended display flights requires significant stamina.
Diet
The Black Lark's diet consists primarily of seeds from grasses and other plants. During the breeding season, they supplement their diet with insects and other small invertebrates, which are especially important for feeding their young.
They forage by walking along the ground, picking food items from the soil surface.
Behaviour
Black Larks are primarily terrestrial, spending much of their time walking or running on the ground in search of food. They often form small flocks outside the breeding season, particularly in winter.
During courtship, males perform elaborate flight displays, ascending high into the air before descending with outstretched wings.
Vocalisation
The Black Lark's song is a melodious warble, often delivered during its display flight. The song includes a series of trills and whistles, sometimes described as 'tiri-tiri-tiri' or 'trr-trr-trr'.
When alarmed, they emit a sharp 'chit' call. Males are more vocal, especially during the breeding season.
Nesting & Breeding
Black Larks breed from late April to early July. Males establish territories and perform elaborate flight displays to attract females. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season.
Nests are built on the ground, often in a small depression well-hidden among vegetation. The female constructs the nest using grass and plant stems and lining it with finer materials. A typical clutch consists of 3-5 eggs, which are pale with brown speckles.
The female incubates the eggs for about 12-13 days. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after approximately 10-11 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, the Black Lark faces threats from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and overgrazing. Climate change may also impact their breeding range.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable grassland habitats within their range.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Not quantified
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Black Larks in open grasslands and semi-desert areas
- Listen for their distinctive song, often delivered in flight
- Observe their ground-foraging behaviour, as they rarely perch in trees
- Watch for the male's striking black plumage, which stands out against the landscape
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include birds of prey such as falcons and harriers, as well as ground predators like foxes and snakes that may raid nests.
Did You Know?
- The Black Lark is the only entirely black lark species in its range.
- Males moult into a brown plumage similar to females in winter, regaining their black feathers in spring.
- Despite their name, female Black Larks are predominantly brown.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Melanocorypha yeltoniensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22717301A90011765.
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