adult in nonbreeding plumage (California, USA; 2006-10-28)


Horned Lark
Eremophila alpestris

Native Range: North Amrica, Middle America, and Eurasia

Notes: occurs in flocks on barren ground and short-grass fields; feathers protrude from its head like devil's horns; shows racial geographic variation in plumage coloration, but with males usually brighter than their respective females; walks rather than hops; nests on ground.


dorsal view of reddish California race (California, USA; 2007-07-25)

browner interior race; striking facial pattern (California, USA; 2007-11-24)

juvenile (California, USA; 2006-05-19)

adult male of light interior race; note 'horns' (Montana, USA; 2006-03-23)