Bird Guide

Eurasian Skylark

Alauda arvensis

Least ConcernOmnivoreGrasslandCup nestSmall · 37 g

About the Eurasian Skylark

The Eurasian skylark, commonly referred to in Europe as the lark, is a passerine bird in the lark family, Alaudidae. It is a widespread species found across Europe and the Palearctic with introduced populations in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and on the Hawaiian Islands. It is a bird of open farmland and heath, known for the song of the male, which is delivered in hovering flight from heights of 50 to 100 metres. The sexes are alike. It is streaked greyish-brown above and on the breast and has a buff-white belly.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The Eurasian skylark is 18–19 cm (7.1–7.5 in) in length. Like most other larks, the Eurasian skylark is a rather dull-looking species, being mainly brown above and paler below. It has a short blunt crest on the head, which can be raised and lowered. In flight it shows a short tail and short broad wings. The tail and the rear edge of the wings are edged with white, which are visible when the bird is flying away, but not if it is heading towards the observer. The male has broader wings than the female.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Eurasian Skylark sounds like

Recording: Noé Ferrari · CC BY 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0 · via xeno-canto

Where the Eurasian Skylark lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in Turkmenistan, Gibraltar.

When to see the Eurasian Skylark

Peak activity in May · a variable species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Eurasian Skylark vs Oriental Skylark

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