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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: ALAUDIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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

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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
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult male
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    Horned Lark

    Adult male
    • © Marie Read
  • Juvenile
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    Horned Lark

    Juvenile
    • © Kevin T. Karlson, Colorado, July 2000
  • Female at nest
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    Horned Lark

    Female at nest
    • © Brian E. Small

Similar Species

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