Horned lark

The Horned Lark, known as the Shore Lark in Europe, is a captivating bird found throughout the northern hemisphere. Belonging to the family Alaudidae, it was initially classified under the genus Alauda and is believed to have diverged from Temnick's Lark during the Early-Middle Pleistocene. Recent genetic studies indicate that the Horned Lark may actually consist of six distinct clades, which could eventually be recognized as separate species.

There are 42 recognized subspecies of the Horned Lark, each inhabiting different geographic regions. These birds are easily identifiable by their brown-grey upperparts, pale underparts, and striking black and yellow facial pattern. Their predominantly black tails create a noticeable contrast when they are in flight. The Horned Lark’s vocalizations are high-pitched and delicate, featuring a warbling, ascending trill as part of their song.

Horned Larks breed in diverse regions including North America, northern Europe, Asia, and the mountains of southeast Europe. While they are generally resident in southern areas, northern populations tend to migrate. They favor open ground habitats and can be found breeding above the tree line in mountains and in far northern regions. In Europe, they're often seen on seashore flats during winter, hence their European name.

During the breeding season, male Horned Larks defend their territories and engage in courtship displays, while females are responsible for building the nests. Unfortunately, Horned Lark populations are declining due to habitat loss from agricultural practices, reforestation, urbanization, and collisions with wind turbines. In 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the streaked Horned Lark subspecies as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Despite these challenges, Horned Larks have shown a remarkable ability to adapt their nesting behaviors to changing environmental conditions, helping to ensure the survival of their nests and the development of their young.