Larks · Perching birds
Wood Lark
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Lullula arborea
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Voice
Call
Sonothèque ADVL
Song
Max Karlsson
Call
Sonothèque ADVL
How to recognize it
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13.5–15 cm, slightly smaller than a skylark
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Brown above, paler below, dark streaking on the body
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White supercilium meets on the nape
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Small crest, often perches on trees
About the species
Woodlarks often turn up on open ground with scattered trees, especially heathland, clearings in pine woods, and newly planted areas. In towns, they are more of a stray than a regular park visitor.
They sing early in the year, sometimes from the ground, sometimes from a perch, and males also rise into a fluttering song flight. The song is a loose, rolling “lu-lu-lu,” often given as “toolooeet toolooeet toolooeet.”
They feed mainly on seeds, and during the breeding season they also take insects such as beetles, flies, and moths. In western parts of the range they stay year-round, while eastern populations move south for winter.
Where to find
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In mature parks with scattered pines and sandy openings, Wood Lark often sings in a circling song flight above the canopy.
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On vacant lots and thin lawns with sparse grass, it feeds on seeds on the ground, moving in short runs between patches.
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Along the edges of young conifer plantings and woodland clearings, it drops to the ground, then hops onto a low branch to sing.
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By roads skirting open heath-like spaces and clearings, listen for its song from a wire or a small tree.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Lullula arborea Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Woodlark Encyclopedia article