Rural Perspectives: Horned larks fly low across the fields in our area

by Diane Constable

The male horned lark has black feathers that stick out on the top of his head and resemble a horn. Photo credit Diane Constable

The horned lark (Eremophila alpestris) is our only lark species. They are found throughout the continent and stay in our area year-round. They live in the farm fields and short grassy areas.

Horned larks flock up in winter and are most likely to be seen flying low across the fields or walking (rather than hopping) in the fields and road edges looking for food. The male is easily identified by the black feathers that stick out on the top of his head and resemble a horn. It also has a high-pitched trilling song. The females are a bit duller in color than the males.

In early spring, the horned larks pair up, and the females make their nests in short grass fields or bare ground. They find a shallow spot or dig one individually to about 1.5 inches deep using their feet and bills. The female horned larks make their nests with grasses and line them with soft fur and feathers, where they can lay up to five eggs.

The eggs hatch in about 11 days, and 10 days later the chicks leave the nest. Both parents feed the chicks various insects and caterpillars, worms and sowbugs. The chicks will grow to about 7 inches long, about the size of a large sparrow, and will weigh a bit more than 1 ounce.

As adults, horned larks prefer seeds and can be seen perching on stems to get to the seeds. They can live up to 7 years.

Fun Fact: The female horned lark will gather small clods and pebbles and place them almost like a path around the outer edge of the nest, possibly to help protect the nest from wind or predators.

Diane Constable is an avid photographer. She serves on the Unadilla Township Planning Commission and is a member of the township’s Parks and Recreation Committee. Diane also enjoys her dogs and gardening.