Short-toed Lark
Calandrella brachydactyla
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Short-toed Lark is a small, compact bird with a streaked brown back and buff underparts. It has a distinctive pale supercilium and a short, stout bill. The breast is lightly streaked, and the tail has white outer feathers.
Both sexes look similar, with juveniles showing a more scaly pattern on their upperparts. During the breeding season, adults may have a slightly more rufous tinge to their plumage.
Size
Length
14cm to 17cm
Wingspan
27cm to 32cm
Weight
20g to 25g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Buff
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Short-toed Larks inhabit open, dry areas with sparse vegetation, including steppes, semi-deserts, and agricultural lands. They are found across southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, with their range extending from Portugal to western China.
During winter, many populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent. In the UK, they are rare vagrants, occasionally spotted during migration periods.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean, Arid
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Short-toed 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.
The Short-toed Lark demonstrates considerable agility, particularly in its ground movements. Its ability to run quickly rather than hop, coupled with short, fluttering song flights, indicates good manoeuvrability both on land and in the air.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small bird weighing only 20-25 grams, the Short-toed Lark has limited physical strength. However, it possesses enough strength to perform its daily activities and short flight displays.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows remarkable adaptability, thriving in various open habitats from sea level to 3,000 metres. Its ability to survive in arid conditions and dig small holes for temperature regulation demonstrates significant environmental adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Short-toed Larks are not notably aggressive birds. They forage in small flocks outside breeding season and form monogamous pairs during breeding, suggesting a generally peaceful nature. However, males may display mild territorial behaviour during breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Short-toed Lark's long-distance migratory behaviour, spanning from Europe to sub-Saharan Africa, indicates considerable endurance. Additionally, its ability to survive in harsh, arid environments suggests good stamina for its size.
Diet
Short-toed Larks primarily feed on seeds from grasses and other plants. During the breeding season, they supplement their diet with insects and other small invertebrates, which are crucial for feeding their young.
They forage by walking and pecking on the ground, occasionally catching insects in short flights.
Behaviour
Short-toed Larks are ground-dwelling birds, often seen running rather than hopping. They forage in small flocks outside the breeding season, pecking at seeds on the ground.
During courtship, males perform short, fluttering song flights, rising a few meters before descending.
Vocalisation
The Short-toed Lark's song is a melodious, trilling warble, often delivered in flight. It typically begins with a series of 'tiri-tiri' notes, followed by a more varied sequence.
The call is a soft, rolling 'prrrrt' or a short 'tit' used for communication within flocks.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from April to July, with males establishing territories through song flights. Pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.
The nest is a simple scrape on the ground, lined with grass and plant material. It is often placed next to a small plant or rock for protection. The female typically lays 3-5 eggs, which are pale and speckled.
Incubation lasts about 11-13 days, primarily done by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 8-10 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, Short-toed Larks face localised threats from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and urbanisation.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable breeding habitats and protecting stopover sites along migration routes.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Short-toed Larks in open, dry habitats with sparse vegetation
- Listen for their distinctive trilling song, often given in flight
- Observe their quick, scurrying movements on the ground
- Use binoculars to spot the pale supercilium and short bill, distinguishing them from other lark species
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?
- Short-toed Larks can survive in areas with very little rainfall, adapting to arid conditions.
- They have a unique ability to dig small holes in the ground to create shade and regulate their body temperature.
- Despite their name, their toes are not significantly shorter than those of other lark species.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Calandrella brachydactyla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T103766207A132042070.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
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