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Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: ALAUDIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Horned Lark Photo

© Marie Read

The only true lark native to North America, the Horned Lark is a common, widespread bird of open country.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Sparrowlike
Sparrowlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small songbird.
  • Pale brown back.
  • Black chest patch.
  • Black face patch.
  • Yellow or pale throat.
  • Small "horns" on top of head.

Immature Description

Juvenile sparrow-like, with pale spots on back and streaks on chest. Immature shows face pattern, but fainter than adult.

Range Map Help

Horned Lark Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • American Pipit lacks black markings and horns.
  • Longspurs have shorter tail with more white on outer edge, and lack horns.