Horned Lark
Least ConcernEremophila alpestris
Visual Identification
Horned Lark
Appearance
The Horned Lark is a small, ground-dwelling bird with a distinctive appearance. It has a pale face with a black mask and breast band, contrasting with its brown upperparts and white underparts. The bird's namesake 'horns' are small, black feather tufts visible on the heads of male adults.
Males are more brightly colored than females, with bolder black markings and a yellow throat. Females lack the prominent ear tufts of males, and appear more sparrowlike.
Juveniles lack the black mask and have a scaly appearance on their upperparts. Winter plumage is generally duller in both sexes.
Size
Length
16cm to 20cm
Wingspan
31cm to 35cm
Weight
28g to 40g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Horned Larks inhabit open areas with sparse vegetation, including prairies, tundra, deserts, and agricultural lands. They are widely distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia, with populations found from the Arctic to temperate regions.
In North America, they are year-round residents in much of the United States and southern Canada, with northern populations migrating south for winter.
In the UK, they are primarily winter visitors to coastal areas. Individual birds may frequently be spotted in migration along the Scottish coast but settle further south, particularly in coastal regions of eastern England. Norfolk has a particularly strong trend of sightings, with Holkham and Salthouse being good spots to visit.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 5,400 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Arctic, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Horned Larks have a varied diet that changes seasonally. In spring and summer, they primarily consume insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars.
During fall and winter, they switch to a diet dominated by seeds from grasses and weeds, occasionally supplemented with grain from agricultural fields.
Behaviour
Horned Larks are primarily terrestrial, often seen walking or running on the ground rather than hopping. They forage in small flocks during non-breeding seasons, pecking at seeds on the ground.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate flight displays, singing as they ascend and descend in the air.
Vocalisation
The Horned Lark's song is a series of high-pitched, tinkling notes, often described as a 'tee-tee' or 'ti-ti-ti'. Males sing both on the ground and during flight displays. Their call is a soft, musical 'tsee-tit' or a more nasal 'pee-pit', often given in flight or when alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Horned Larks varies by location but typically occurs from late winter to early summer. Males establish territories and perform aerial displays to attract mates. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.
Nests are built on the ground in small depressions, often next to a tuft of grass or small rock. The female constructs the nest using grasses and lines it with softer materials. A typical clutch consists of 2-5 pale, speckled eggs.
Incubation lasts about 11 days, primarily carried out by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 9-12 days. Horned Larks often produce two broods per season in suitable conditions.
Lifespan
years
The Horned Lark typically lives for 3 to 5 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While globally listed as Least Concern, some regional populations of Horned Larks are declining due to habitat loss and agricultural intensification.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable grassland habitats and promoting sustainable farming practices that benefit ground-nesting birds.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Horned Larks in open, sparsely vegetated areas
- Listen for their high-pitched, tinkling song, especially during breeding season
- Observe their distinctive walking behavior on the ground
- In winter, scan for flocks in agricultural fields or along roadsides
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Shore Lark
Family:
AlaudidaePredators
Horned Larks face predation from various sources, including hawks, falcons, owls, and ground predators such as foxes, coyotes, and snakes. Their ground-nesting habit makes eggs and nestlings particularly vulnerable.
Did You Know?
- Horned Larks are one of the few native larks found in North America.
- They can survive in temperatures as low as -50°C (-58°F) in their Arctic breeding grounds.
- Horned Lark chicks can run within hours of hatching, an adaptation to their open habitat.
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FAQs
Is a Horned Lark a sparrow?
Horned larks belong to a different family to sparrows, although both belong to the wider suborder of songbirds called Passeri. Horned larks are part of the Alaudidae (lark) family, while sparrows are classed as Passeridae (true sparrows).
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Eremophila alpestris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22717434A137693170.
View source - 3
report, 2017: North American Breeding Bird Survey [Sauer et al. 2017]
- 2
website, 2017: Partners in Flight
View source