Shore lark ©Pete Richman

Shore lark

Scientific name: Eremophila alpestris

This distinctive lark is a passage migrant and winter visitor to the UK, most often found along the east coast of Britain.

Species information

Statistics

Length: 16cm
Wingspan: 32cm

Conservation status

Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021)

When to see

October to April

About

Shore larks were once a rare breeding species in Scotland, but are now only seen during migration periods or as winter visitors from populations in Scandinavia.

As the name suggests, in the UK shore larks are usually seen on the coast, where they favour saltmarshes and shingle shores. Most records come from the east coast of England. Shore lark numbers can vary dramatically - some winters might see only a few birds in the whole of the UK, while in exceptional years there can be hundreds. The population that visits the UK has declined rapidly in recent decades, possibly as a result of overgrazing on their breeding grounds.

How to identify

Slightly smaller than a skylark, with a distinctive head pattern. They have a yellow face with a black bib, eye mask and band at the front of the crown. Two long black feathers on the crown can be raised forming a prominent pair of 'horns', most obvious in breeding males.