Horned Lark
ExploreBirds
Horned Lark
Eremophila alpestris
The Horned Lark is a small, cheerful bird with a special horn-like tuft on its head. It loves to sing and can be found hopping around in open fields and grasslands.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Horned Lark is a small, streaky brown bird with a pale belly. It has a distinctive yellow face, a black bib, and two small, dark feather tufts on its head, resembling horns, making it unique.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyAlaudidaeGenusEremophila
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Horned Larks sometimes line their ground nests with small pebbles.
It's the only true lark native to North America!
These birds usually run away instead of flying when approached.
They love to 'bathe' by wiggling around in dry dust.
Special abilities
Ability
Hidden Horns
Horned Larks have feather tufts on their head that they can raise to display because this helps them communicate with other larks.
Ability
Ground Camouflage
Horned Larks have streaky brown plumage that helps them blend perfectly into their open, grassy habitats, avoiding predators.
Ability
Cold Weather Nester
Horned Larks can be one of the earliest birds to nest, even in cold regions, because they are adapted to harsh, open environments.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 16-20 cm
- Wingspan
- 30-36 cm
- Weight
- 0.028-0.045 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-9 years
- Top Speed
- 60 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-5
- Incubation
- 10-14 days
- Migration Distance
- 2000 km
Diet & Feeding
These birds eat seeds and small insects, foraging on the ground in open areas.
Age differences: Young birds and breeding adults eat more insects for protein; diet shifts to more seeds in winter.
Primary Foods
- grass seeds
- weed seeds
- beetles
- grasshoppers
- spiders
- caterpillars
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
A common raptor that hunts small birds in open country.
eaten by
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
A ground predator that preys on ground-nesting birds and their eggs.
eats
Differential Grasshopper
Melanoplus differentialis
Horned Larks consume many insect pests, especially in summer.
eats
Kentucky Bluegrass
Poa pratensis
Horned Larks feed on seeds from various grasses.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Horned
Characterized by having one or more hard, permanent, pointed projections on the head.
Singing
Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to catch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Horned Lark?
16-20 cm
What is Horned Lark's wingspan?
30-36 cm
How much does Horned Lark weigh?
0.028-0.045 kg
How long does Horned Lark live?
2-9 years
How fast can Horned Lark move?
60 km/h
What does Horned Lark eat?
These birds eat seeds and small insects, foraging on the ground in open areas.
Where is Horned Lark usually found?
Grasslands
How does Horned Lark hunt?
Foraging
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