Eremophila alpestris
Horned Larks are birds of open, treeless country. They are found in every type of unforested area-alpine and arctic tundra, sea coasts, native grasslands, agricultural areas and mountain tops. Horned Larks are frequently encountered when you are driving along backroads in open country. These small birds prefer running to flying, but they will desperately take to the air to avoid oncoming cars, revealing their black tail in the process. As a result of this bird's wide range, there are no less than 21 recognized subspecies throughout North America. It is our region, however, that is celebrated in this bird's scientific name, which means 'lark of the mountains.' |
I.D.: Male: small black 'horns' (often not raised); black line running under the eye from the bill to the cheek; light yellow to white face; dull brown upperparts; black breast band; dark tail with white outer tail feathers; light throat. Female: less distinctive head patterning; duller plumage overall. Size: L 7 in. (18 cm). Range: common breeder and migrant in the Canadian and Colorado Rockies; uncommon to rare breeder elsewhere in the Rockies; uncommon winter resident in the U.S. Rockies. Habitat: open areas, including alpine tundra, fields and roadways up to the alpine. Nesting: on the ground; in a shallow scrape lined with grass, plant fibers and roots; female chooses the nest site and incubates 3-4 eggs for up to 12 days. Feeding: gleans the ground for seeds; occasionally feeds its young on insects during the breeding season. Voice: tinkling tsee-titi, given in flight. Similar Species: Open-country sparrows and longspurs: all lack the facial pattern and the black outer tail feathers. |
