Woodlark
Lullula arborea
The Woodlark (Lullula arborea) is a common lark found in 56 countries, weighing about 27 g. The woodlark or wood lark is the only extant species in the lark genus Lullula.
About the Woodlark
The woodlark or wood lark is the only extant species in the lark genus Lullula. It is found across most of Europe, the Middle East, western Asia and the mountains of north Africa. It is mainly resident (non-migratory) in the west of its range, but eastern populations of this passerine bird are more migratory, moving further south in winter.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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.
What the Woodlark sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Turkmenistan.
When to see it
Best months: February, March, April, May, June, September, October, with peak activity in May. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Woodlark?
- This is a 13.5- to 15-cm-long bird, slightly smaller than the skylark being roughly 20% shorter. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Woodlark?
- The Woodlark is a small sized bird weighing about 27 g.
- Where can you see a Woodlark?
- The Woodlark occurs in 56 countries, including France, Sweden, Spain, Portugal and Belgium.
- What does a Woodlark sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Woodlark on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Woodlark?
- The Woodlark is most easily confused with the Crested Lark, the Thekla's Lark and the Oriental Skylark.
- Is the Woodlark endangered?
- The Woodlark is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Woodlark for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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