horned lark (Eremophila alpestris)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• Length: 6.5 inches

• Thin bill

• Black mask, horns and breastband

• White or yellow supercilium

• White or yellow throat

• Gray-brown upperparts

• Pale underparts

• Black tail with white outer tail feathers

• Dark legs

• Juvenile is duller, lacks horns

• Inhabits open areas with short or sparse vegeation

• Often found in large flocks

Similar species:

The face pattern of the horned lark is quite different from other field-
loving species.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Short distance migrant
Breeding Habitat: Grassland
Nest Location: Ground-low nesting
Nest Type: Open-cup
Clutch Size: 3-5
Length of Incubation: 11-12 days
Days to Fledge: 9-12
Number of Broods: 1 in north, 2(3?) in south
Diet: Primarily seeds; lesser quantities of insects

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May Acc
      Su - Summer: June, July, August Acc
      Fall: September, October, November R

      Winter: December, January, February R

 

 

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