Horned lark (Eremophila alpestris)

Nicknames: shore lark

Claim to fame: In birding circles, horned larks are known as North America’s only “true” larks. (Meadowlarks are closely related to blackbirds and grackles and are not taxonomically classified as larks.) Horned larks’ love of open areas has made them one of several bird species that are symbols of vanishing grassland habitat in Missouri and elsewhere.

Species status: Because of human-induced changes that have occurred and, in some cases, are still occurring; horned lark numbers are thought to be declining in Missouri and many other areas of their range.

Discovered: The first scientific description of the horned lark was written by naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758.

Family matters: Horned larks belong to the bird family Alaudidae, a group of species commonly called the larks. More than 70 species of larks can be found in the world, but the horned lark is only one that lives in North America.

Length: 7 to 8 inches

Diet: Horned larks are omnivorous. They feed on spiders, ants, grasshoppers, wasps and a variety of insects. They also eat fruits, berries and the seeds of some plants.

Weight: about 30 grams

Distinguishing characteristics: The most distinguishing physical characteristic of a horned lark is the pair of black feather tufts on its head — which is the reason for the bird’s name. The face is usually white or pale yellow with a black stripe that starts at the bill, runs through the eye and down each side of the head. (In breeding males, the yellow is often brighter and the black striping is bolder.) The breast is white with a black patch on the upper portion. The body is brown, and the tail is black. Its song is a series of high, somewhat musical tinkling notes. It also has a single-syllable or double-syllabled “weet” or “suweet.” Unlike most other songbirds of its size, horned larks do not hop about on the ground; they walk.

Habitat: Though horned larks are considered grassland birds, they have specific preferences within a prairie habitat. They are most prevalent on flat, tree-less terrain that has short grass.