Crested Lark
Galerida cristata
The Crested Lark is a rare visitor to Britain, typically seen as a vagrant in the southern regions, and can be spotted throughout the year, although sightings are extremely uncommon. It is more commonly found in its widespread range across Eurasia and northern Africa, where it is a non-migratory resident.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Crested Lark in the field.
The Crested Lark can be identified by its distinctive crest, which gives it a unique appearance, as well as its streaked breast and brownish-grey plumage, and a long, rounded tail.
The Crested Lark is slightly smaller than a Starling, with a more slender build.
The male Crested Lark has a brownish-grey back, wings, and tail, with a creamy-white belly and a streaked breast, with a distinctive crest on top of its head.
The female Crested Lark is similar to the male, with no significant differences in plumage.
The Crested Lark's call is a series of short, melodic phrases, often described as a cheerful, whistled tune.
Crested Larks are ground-dwelling birds that forage for seeds, insects, and small invertebrates, often running or walking rather than flying, and when in flight, they have a swift, direct style.
The Crested Lark can be confused with other lark species, such as the Skylark, but can be distinguished by its distinctive crest and streaked breast, as well as its more slender build and shorter tail.
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