Woodlark
Least ConcernLullula arborea
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Woodlark is a small, compact bird with a distinctive short crest on its head. Its plumage is primarily brown, with darker streaks on the back and pale underparts. The tail is short with white outer feathers, visible in flight.
Both sexes look similar, with juveniles resembling adults but having a more spotted appearance. The bird's eye-stripe and pale supercilium (eyebrow) are notable field marks.
Their legs and feet are pinkish brown and set well back toward the tail. Their straight, medium-length bill is brownish, with a pinkish base to the lower half (mandible).
Size
Length
15cm to 17cm
Wingspan
27cm to 30cm
Weight
23g to 35g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Brown Pink
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Woodlarks inhabit open woodlands, heathlands, and forest edges across Europe and parts of western Asia. They prefer areas with bare ground or short vegetation interspersed with scattered trees or bushes.
In the UK, they are found mainly in southern England, with some populations in Wales and eastern England. During winter, some birds from northern Europe migrate to milder regions, including southern parts of their range.
The best UK sites include Breckland - Norfolk & Suffolk, New Forest - Hampshire & Wiltshire, Surrey heathlands, RSPB Minsmere and RSPB North Warren - Suffolk.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Woodlark. 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 Woodlark demonstrates considerable agility with its undulating flight pattern and aerial displays during breeding season. Its ability to walk and run on the ground, rather than hop, also suggests good manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small bird weighing between 23-35 grams, the Woodlark's strength is relatively low compared to larger avian species. However, it's sufficient for its size and lifestyle, including foraging and nest-building activities.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Woodlarks show good adaptability by inhabiting various environments up to 3,000 metres elevation, including open woodlands, heathlands, and forest edges. Their ability to shift diet between insects and seeds seasonally also indicates adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While Woodlarks defend territories and perform song flights to attract mates, they're not notably aggressive birds. Their behaviour seems more focused on display and foraging than confrontation.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Woodlark's endurance is evidenced by its ability to perform extended song flights and its partial migratory nature. Some populations undertake seasonal movements, suggesting reasonable stamina for a small bird.
Diet
Woodlarks are omnivorous birds that primarily feed on insects and seeds. During breeding season, they consume a higher proportion of invertebrates, including beetles, flies, and spiders. In winter, their diet shifts more towards seeds from grasses and weeds, foraged from the ground.
Behaviour
Woodlarks are often seen perched on treetops or singing in flight. They have a characteristic undulating flight pattern and frequently engage in aerial displays during breeding season.
On the ground, they walk or run rather than hop, foraging for food in short vegetation.
Vocalisation
The Woodlark's song is a beautiful, melodious warble, often described as a series of liquid notes ending with a distinctive 'lu-lu-lu' phrase. It's frequently delivered during circular song flights, making it a key identifier. Their call is a soft, musical 'tu-li' or 'dlooee'.
Nesting & Breeding
Woodlarks form monogamous pairs and begin breeding in early spring. Males perform elaborate song flights to attract mates and defend territories.
The nest is a well-concealed cup made of grass and plant material, typically placed on the ground under cover of vegetation, often in areas with sandy soil. Females lay 3-5 eggs, which are white or pale grey with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 13-15 days, solely by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 11-13 days. Woodlarks often produce two broods per season.
Lifespan
The Woodlark typically lives for 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 6 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, Woodlarks face local declines due to habitat loss and agricultural intensification.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable breeding habitats, particularly in Western Europe, where the species has experienced historical declines.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their melodious, flute-like song, often given in flight
- Look for them in open woodlands, heathlands, and forest edges
- Observe their distinctive short crest and white-edged tail in flight
- In the UK, visit heathlands in southern England for the best chances of spotting
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Wood Lark
Family:
AlaudidaePredators
Main predators include foxes, stoats, and birds of prey such as Sparrowhawks and Kestrels. Ground-nesting habits make eggs and chicks vulnerable to various mammalian predators.
Did You Know?
- Woodlarks can sing at night, especially during full moons. arly studies suggest they are most vocal on still, warm nights with bright moonlight conditions.
- They have a unique habit of bathing in dust to maintain their feathers.
- The species name 'arborea' means 'of trees', despite their ground-nesting habit.
- Both male and female Woodlarks are known to sing. However, it is the male who performs the characteristic song flight where he ascends 100 metres or more in a spiralling, fluttering flight and then slowly descends to his perch or the ground.
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FAQs
What is the difference between a Woodlark and a Skylark?
Woodlarks and Skylarks are very similar in appearance, although you are much likelier to spot the widespread and common Skylark in the UK than its relatively rare and localised relative. Look for the following identifying features to help distinguish between these songbirds.
- Woodlarks are significantly smaller and shorter-tailed, with a black and white marking on the wing.
- Woodlarks have a smaller, darker crest, and their white eyebrow stripes meet at the back of the head.
- Skylarks have white edges along either side of the tail, while Woodlarks have white corners on either end of the tail.
Similar Birds
References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Lullula arborea (amended version of 2017 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22717411A155597798.
View source - 4
report, 2015: EBCC
- 1
website, 2012: Robinson and Clark, The Online Ringing Report: Bird ringing in Britain & Ireland in 2011
View source