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Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameAlauda arvensis FamilyLarks (Alaudidae) OverviewThe skylark is a small brown bird, somewhat larger than a sparrow but smaller than a starling. It is streaky brown with a small crest, which can be raised when the bird is excited or alarmed, and a white-sided tail. The wings also have a white rear edge, visible in flight. It is renowned for its display flight, vertically up in the air. Its recent and dramatic population declines make it a Red List species. Where to see themFound everywhere in the UK. Likes open countryside, from lowland farmland to upland moorland. Often inconspicuous on the ground, it is easy to see when in its distinctive song flight. When to see themAll year round. What they eatSeeds and insects Estimated numbers
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Find out moreAudio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |
 Skylark Similar birdsHelp the SkylarkWe need to take urgent action to secure the future of this species. Become a member today and help us continue our vital conservation work. |
Skylark singing from fencepost - Nigel Blake
Skylark in song-flight - Steve Round
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)