How to Spot a Horned Lark

Horned Larks are common and widespread songbirds throughout North America. They are, in fact, the only species of Lark native to North America. You can identify these birds by the hair tufts (horns) on top of their heads. However, there are other ways to spot a Horned Lark.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find the Horned Lark in its preferred habitats and ranges on bare ground or in short grasses near roads, and in fields, plains or on beaches. During the summer breeding season, look for the Horned Lark across Canada and the United States, with the exception of the extreme southeastern United States. During the winter months, the Horned Lark lives throughout the entire continental United States and in Mexico.

2. Take note of the Horned Lark's small size. This bird measures between 6 and 8 inches in length and weighs between 1 and 1.7 oz. They have a wingspan ranging from 12 to 13 inches. Female Horned Larks are slightly smaller than males.

3. Observe the distinctive appearance of the Horned Lark. As its name implies, the Horned Lark has two small black "horns" on the top of its head; a white face with a black patch, and a black patch on the bird's chest. The upper parts of the Horned Lark appear streaked in pale brown, the throat is buff, yellow or white and the underparts are white. The Horned Lark has a rounded, dark tail and rounded wings.

4. Listen to the sounds of the Horned Lark on the What Bird website. (See link in Resources.) The call of the Horned Lark consists of either double or single notes resembling a "weet" or a "su-weet." The song is high-pitched, musical and resembles the sound made by a bell.

5. Watch the Horned Lark pull its wing feathers in close to its body after each beat during flight.

Resources

• Listen to the Horned Lark here.