Horned Lark

Overview

Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) is a species of Larks (Alaudidae) in the order Perching Birds (Passerines). A lark with black 'horns' (feather tufts) and a black mask in males; breeds in tundra, mountains and open plains; the only lark native to the Americas; sings high-pitched tinkling notes.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Eremophila; binomial: Eremophila alpestris; authority: (Linnaeus, 1758). Typical size: 15-17cm. Average lifespan: 3-7 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Nearctic, Middle America and the Palearctic.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Gene trees suggest that Palearctic clades comprise 5 independent evolutionary units that merit species status: elwesi (although longirostris should have priority if it belongs to this clade), bilopha, atlas, penicillata, brandti, and flava (Drovetski et al. 2014).