Eurasian Skylark
Least ConcernAlauda arvensis
Visual Identification
Eurasian Skylark
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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.
Lifespan
The Eurasian Skylark typically lives for 2 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 10.1 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 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
Quick Facts
Other names:
Skylark
Family:
AlaudidaePredators
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.
Was this bird profile helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve our content
Community Experience
Community Ratings
No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!
Latest Community Reviews
No reviews yet
Sign in to be the first to review
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
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Alauda arvensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T102998555A132039889.
View source - 4
report: del Hoyo et al. 2004, EBCC 2015
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source