Alauda arvensis
The Eurasian Skylark is a small, streaked brown bird with a distinctive crest that can be raised when alert. Its upperparts are mottled brown, while the underparts are pale buff with dark streaks on the breast.
Both sexes look similar, with males slightly larger. In flight, the skylark shows white outer tail feathers and trailing edges on the wings, contrasting with its brown body.
Juveniles are similar to adults but have more boldly spotted (not streaked) upperparts and a wider supercilium.
Length
16cm to 18cm
Wingspan
30cm to 36cm
Weight
30g to 45g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
White Buff
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Pink
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Eurasian Skylarks inhabit open landscapes across Europe and Asia, from coastal areas to mountain grasslands. They prefer short grass habitats, including meadows, pastures, and agricultural fields.
In the UK, skylarks are widespread residents, with some birds migrating south in winter. They're also found in parts of North Africa and have been introduced to Hawaii, Western Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
Sea level to 3,500 meters
Temperate, Subarctic
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Eurasian Skylark. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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