Bird Guide

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

Least ConcernInvertebratesGrasslandCavity nestSmall · 33 g

About the Horned Lark

The horned lark or shore lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found across the northern hemisphere. It is known as "horned lark" in North America for distinctive feathers on the heads of the male birds in summer, and as "shore lark" in Europe because it can be found on shorelines in the winter.

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

ID tip

Unlike most other larks, this is a distinctive-looking species on the ground, mainly brown-grey above and pale below, with a striking black and yellow face pattern. Except for the central feathers, the tail is mostly black, contrasting with the paler body; this contrast is especially noticeable when the bird is in flight. The summer male has black "horns", two tufts of feathers on its head which give this species its American name. North America has a number of races distinguished by the face pattern and back colour of males, especially in summer. The southern European mountain race E. a.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Horned Lark sounds like

Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Sonothèque ADVL · CC0 · via xeno-canto

Where the Horned Lark lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in Spain, Portugal, Bahamas, Syria, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Kosovo.

When to see the Horned Lark

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

Easily confused with

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