Lark is a type of small songbird found mainly in Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are dozens of species (kinds) of larks worldwide. One species—the horned lark—is native to North America. Meadowlarks live in North America but are not true larks.
Larks measure from 41/2 to 9 inches (11.5 to 23 centimeters) in length. Most larks have dull coloration. They are tan, brown, or gray above, and paler with light spots beneath. In some species, the color of the back varies widely and matches the soil color of the region in which the birds live. For example, crested larks that live on the dark, fertile soils of the Nile Delta in northern Africa have dark brown, almost black, backs. Crested larks that live on the sandy deserts of Tunisia have pale tan backs, and those that live on reddish soils in Libya have cinnamon-colored backs. Such protective coloration makes it easier for the birds to hide from enemies.
Loading the player...Horned lark
Many larks have a small crest (tuft of feathers) on the head. The horned lark has a tuft of black feathers on each side of the head. When erect, the tufts resemble tiny horns. Unlike most songbirds, larks have a long rear toe with a claw that is almost straight.
Larks live in open country, such as deserts, fields, grasslands, and tundras. They spend most of their time on the ground and are good runners. Larks are famous for their song, which they often give while in flight. Male skylarks begin singing while fluttering upward. The male continues his clear, loud song for as long as 10 minutes while he glides into the wind, high above the ground. The song ends when the lark descends, first gently, then quickly with folded wings.
Most larks eat seeds and insects. On the ground, they build cup-shaped nests out of grass, hair, or pebbles. Females lay two to seven eggs, which vary in color among species and are spotted. The young hatch in 11 to 14 days.
Loading the player...Skylark
