The skylark (Alauda arvensis) is a passerine bird found in open landscapes such as farmland and heathland. Its aerial displays and distinctive song are often more easily detected by ear than by sight.
Identifying a Skylark
The skylark measures between 18 and 19 centimeters (7.1 to 7.5 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 30 to 36 centimeters (11.8 to 14.2 inches). Its plumage is streaky brown on its upperparts and breast, and buff-white on its belly. A short, blunt crest on its head can be raised or lowered, often becoming more prominent when excited or alarmed.
In flight, the skylark has a short tail and broad wings, with white edges along the rear and outer tail feathers visible when it flies away. Males and females share similar appearances, though males generally have broader wings, potentially aiding their hovering flight. Skylarks are widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, and have also been introduced to regions like Australia, New Zealand, and the Hawaiian Islands. They prefer open habitats such as grasslands, farmlands, heathlands, and coastal areas, where they forage by walking on the ground.
The Skylark’s Distinctive Song and Flight
The skylark is known for its prolonged and complex song, a clear, bubbling warble that can last for several minutes, sometimes extending up to an hour. This song is typically delivered during the male’s unique ascending spiral flight. The bird rises vertically, often reaching heights of 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 feet).
During this aerial display, the skylark hovers or circles, constantly singing, before descending in a parachuting manner. This song-flight defends the male’s territory and attracts mates. The song’s length and complexity may indicate the male’s fitness. The song can be heard throughout much of the year, although it is less frequent from mid-November to late January. This combination of sustained song and specialized flight differentiates the skylark from many other bird species, making its presence unmistakable.
Diet and Daily Habits
Skylarks are omnivorous birds, consuming insects and plant material, including seeds and young leaves. During warmer months, insects such as spiders, caterpillars, and beetles form a significant part of their diet. They forage by walking across the ground and may occasionally catch insects in the air.
Skylarks are ground-nesting birds, building nests in shallow depressions on open ground, often in short grass or crops. The female builds the nest, lining it with grass and other plant materials. They lay between three to five eggs per clutch, with the female incubating them for about 11 days. Both parents feed the altricial young, which leave the nest after 8 to 10 days, well before they can fly, and become independent around 25 days of age.
Skylarks can produce multiple broods, sometimes up to four in a single breeding season, which generally spans from late March or early April to August. While many skylarks are resident in the western parts of their range, eastern populations are migratory, moving south during winter.