Bird Guide

Thekla's Lark vs Woodlark

Thekla's Lark (Galerida theklae)

Thekla's Lark

Galerida theklae

Small38 gShrubland

This is a smallish lark, slightly smaller than the Eurasian skylark. It has a long, spiky, erectile crest. Its colouring is similar to the widespread crested lark (G. cristata), being predominantly brownish-grey or brown, although its back and rump are greyer than that species. Its breast is streaked with black. It is smaller and somewhat greyer than the crested lark, and has a shorter bill. In flight, it shows grey underwings, whereas the crested lark has reddish underwings. It is also greyer than the Eurasian skylark, and lacks the white wing and tail edge of that species.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Joost van Bruggen · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Hobbyfotowiki · CC0
Woodlark (Lullula arborea)

Woodlark

Lullula arborea

Small27 gWoodland

This is a 13.5- to 15-cm-long bird, slightly smaller than the skylark being roughly 20% shorter. The woodlark is mainly brown above and pale below, but with a distinctive white superciliar meeting on the nape. It has a crest which is quite small and at most times inconspicuous. In flight it shows a short tail and short broad wings. The tail is tipped with white, but unlike the skylark, the tail sides and the rear edge of the wings are not edged with white.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Philippe_Grange · CC0
Photo: Magnus Bauer · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Thekla's Lark and Woodlark.