Temminck's Lark
Eremophila bilopha
The Temminck's Lark (Eremophila bilopha) is a rare lark found in 15 countries, weighing about 39 g. Temminck's lark or Temminck's horned lark is a bird species of the family Alaudidae.
About the Temminck's Lark
Temminck's lark or Temminck's horned lark is a bird species of the family Alaudidae. It breeds across much of north Africa, through northern Saudi Arabia to western Iraq. It is mainly resident, but some populations of this passerine bird are partially migratory, moving further south in winter. This bird's common name commemorates the Dutch naturalist Coenraad Jacob Temminck. The population is declining in Israel and may also be declining elsewhere, probably as a result of habitat loss. Nevertheless, this is a common bird in many parts of its wide range and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Unlike most other larks, Temminck's lark is a distinctive looking species on the ground, similar to the other, larger, member of its genus, the horned lark. The 14 to 15 cm (5.5 to 5.9 in) adult is mainly reddish brown-grey above and pale below, and it has a striking black and white face pattern and a distinctive black patch on its breast. The summer male has black "horns", which give this species its alternative name. The juvenile of this species is reddish above and pale below, quite unlike the juvenile horned lark.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December, with peak activity in March. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Temminck's Lark?
- Unlike most other larks, Temminck's lark is a distinctive looking species on the ground, similar to the other, larger, member of its genus, the horned lark. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Temminck's Lark?
- The Temminck's Lark is a small sized bird weighing about 39 g.
- Where can you see a Temminck's Lark?
- The Temminck's Lark occurs in 15 countries, including Morocco, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.
- What birds look similar to a Temminck's Lark?
- The Temminck's Lark is most easily confused with the Horned Lark.
- Is the Temminck's Lark endangered?
- The Temminck's Lark is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Temminck's Lark for real
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