Alaudidae

Larks

Family recognized by
IUCN Red List Status: NOT EVALUATED external link Showing: scientific names

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Alaudidae

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Galerida cristata
Galerida cristata
Galerida cristata
Eremophila alpestris
Eremophila alpestris
Eremophila alpestris
Eremophila alpestris
Eremophila alpestris
Eremophila alpestris

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Table of Contents

General Description

Diversity

Source and Additional Information
Supplier
Animal Diversity Web external link
Copyright
©1995-2008, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors. Some rights reserved external link
Author
Alaine Camfield, Animal Diversity Web
Editor
Kari Kirschbaum, Animal Diversity Web Staff
Source URL
View original data object external link
Citation
Camfield, A. 2004. "Alaudidae" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 25, 2009 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Alaudidae.html. 

 

Larks belong to the order Passeriformes, sub-order Passeri and family Alaudidae. Currently there are 17 recognized lark genera and 91 species.

 

Larks are small to medium-sized birds (11 to 19 cm in length) that reside in open countryside from desert to alpine tundra. They vary in color from light tan to reddish and tend to blend in well with the soil and vegetation in their chosen habitat.

 

Larks (particularly sky larks (Alauda arvensis)) have provided inspiration for many poets with their complex and beautiful songs. They are primarily Old World inhabitants. Horned larks (Eremophila alpestris) are the only native lark species in North America. (Dean et al., 1992; Payne, 2003; Simms, 1992; Trost, 2001)

 
References
  • Payne, R. 2003. "Bird Families of the World" (On-line). Accessed October 27, 2003 at http://www.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/birds/Bird_Families_of_the_World.html .
  • Dean, W., C. Fry, S. Keith, P. Lack. 1992. Family Alaudidae: Larks. Pp. 13-124 in S. Keith, E. Urban, C. Fry, eds. The Birds of Africa, Vol. IV. London: Academic Press.
  • Simms, E. 1992. British Larks, Pipits & Wagtails. London: Harper Collins Publishers.
  • Trost, C. 2001. Larks. Pp. 416-418 in C. Elphick, J. Dunning, D. Sibley, eds. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
"Alaudidae". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/7572". Accessed 22 Mar 2010.