- Length
- 18–19 cm
- Weight
- 55–64 g
Presence in the Strait
Abundant resident of the Western countryside. Numbers have been falling over the last twenty years, absent from the Eastern zone.
Identification
Largest of the Alaudidae, heavily built, large head, thick bill and prominent black patches on sides of neck. In flight, black underwings with white trailing edges. It imitates the calls of other birds but its song recalls the Skylark.
Movements
Sedentary but with erratic movements, population increased by migrating birds. In June and July, after breeding, form flocks that move to coastal grasslands. An increase in numbers is seen in August inland, mainly in sunflower crops, as the birds retreat from the coast. In September and October numbers increase in the whole area due to arrival of postnuptial migrants, decreasing again in winter. Two prenuptial movements: A more important one near the end of January to beginning of February, and a less conspicuous one in March.
Bioestrecho editorial text. Last revised: 8 September 2026.
Gallery
StraitNikita Gerasin, CC0 · 1905
StraitTero Linjama, CC0 · 2025
StraitKevin, CC0 · 2024