Eurasian Skylark
Alauda arvensis
Visual Identification
Appearance
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.
Size
Length
16cm to 18cm
Wingspan
30cm to 36cm
Weight
30g to 45g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
White Buff
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
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.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
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:
- 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
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
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 Eurasian Skylark demonstrates remarkable agility through its distinctive hovering flight and aerial displays. Its ability to maintain prolonged song flights at altitudes up to 300 metres showcases exceptional aerial manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small bird weighing between 30-45 grams, the Eurasian Skylark possesses moderate strength relative to its size. It's capable of sustained flight and foraging activities but isn't known for particularly powerful physical feats.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Eurasian Skylarks exhibit good adaptability, inhabiting a wide range of open landscapes from sea level to 3,500 metres elevation. Their ability to thrive in various grassland habitats, including agricultural areas, indicates a strong capacity to adjust to different environments.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not overtly aggressive, male Eurasian Skylarks display territorial behaviour during breeding season, performing elaborate aerial displays to defend their territories. This suggests a moderate level of aggression in specific contexts.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Eurasian Skylark's endurance is notably high, evidenced by its ability to sing continuously for up to 15 minutes during hovering flights. This, combined with its partial migratory nature and foraging habits, indicates substantial stamina for a bird of its size.
Diet
Eurasian Skylarks primarily feed on seeds from grasses and crops, supplementing their diet with insects, like beetles, especially during breeding season. They will also feed on the leaves of food crops like cabbage.
They forage on the ground, using their slender bills to probe for food in low vegetation and bare soil.
Behaviour
Eurasian Skylarks are known for their remarkable hovering flight, during which they sing their melodious song. They often forage on the ground in open fields, walking or running rather than hopping.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate aerial displays to attract mates and defend territories.
Vocalisation
The Eurasian Skylark's song is a complex, warbling melody that can last for around 2 minutes.
Often described as a continuous, liquid trill, it includes a variety of whistles, chirps, and warbles. The song is typically delivered during the bird's hovering flight, creating a cascading effect as the skylark descends.
These birds also sing from the ground while pursuing each other. The female’s song is usually heard during nest building and pairing. Skylarks also produce a variety of short calls, used to maintain contact and express alarm.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Eurasian Skylarks typically runs from April to August. Males establish territories and attract females with their aerial song displays.
Nests are built on the ground in shallow depressions, often hidden in grass or crops. The female constructs the nest using grass and plant stems, lining it with finer materials.
Females lay 3-5 eggs, which are greyish-white with brown speckles. Incubation lasts about 11 days, and chicks fledge after 18-20 days, often leaving the nest before they can fly to avoid detection.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, Eurasian Skylark populations have declined significantly in parts of Europe due to changes in agricultural practices.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable breeding habitats and promoting skylark-friendly farming methods.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for skylarks in open grasslands, farmlands, and heathlands
- The Skylark can be distinguished from the rarer Woodlark by its larger size and crest. The Woodlark also has a distinctly short tail, most visible in flight
- Listen for their distinctive, prolonged song delivered in flight
- Observe their hovering behaviour while singing, which can last for several minutes
- In the UK, watch for them year-round, especially during spring and summer breeding season
Additional Information
Predators
Main predators of Eurasian Skylarks include birds of prey such as kestrels and merlins, as well as foxes, stoats, and domestic cats.
Did You Know?
- Skylarks can sing continuously for up to 15 minutes during their hovering flight.
- They have inspired numerous poets and composers throughout history.
- Skylarks can fly at altitudes of up to 300 meters during their song flights.
FAQs
Why are they called Skylarks?
Skylarks take their name for their characteristic flight display, where males may ascend to heights of a hundred meters while singing continuously to attract a partner.
Do Skylarks only sing in the air?
Skylarks are best known for singing in the air, although they also sing regularly from the ground. Their ground song is typically quieter and more melodious than the flight song.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Alauda arvensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T102998555A132039889.
View source - 3
report: del Hoyo et al. 2004, EBCC 2015
- 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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