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Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris)
FIELD MARKS
The Horned Lark is easily identified by the large black patch on its breast
and the black stripe on its face that extends under the eye and curls downwards
away from the bill. The male Horned Lark has another black band across the
front of the crown of the head that joins a pair of small, black tufts of
feathers on back of its head which gives one the appearance of the lark
having "horns". Unfortunately this is not a distinctive characteristic as
these "horns" are often difficult to see. Its back is mainly brown
with a white belly and its tail is mainly black. Approximate length: 18
cm
HABITAT
The Horned Lark prefers open country without much ground cover. They have
no need for trees since they live on the ground. Landscape such as bare
alpine meadows, prairies, farmer's fields and even airports, commonly attract
these birds. The Horned Lark is often found in large flocks during migration
sometimes mixed with other species.
NESTING
These birds build their nests in hollows on dry ground. The nests are made
of grasses lined with feathers, hair and plant down. They sometimes have
a small pile of pebbles on one side of the nest that looks like a doorstep.
The female lays 2-5 pale grey to greenish eggs that are blotchy and spotted
brown.
STATUS
Common and widespread. These birds do well on land that has been overgrazed
and changed by human settlement.
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