Horned larks and meadowlarks are two types of birds found in North America that are sometimes confused with one another. However, they belong to different families and have a number of distinguishing characteristics.
What are horned larks?
The horned lark (Eremophila alpestris) is a small songbird about 6-8 inches long. They are mostly brown above and pale below, with yellow throats and faces. As their name suggests, horned larks have small black feather tufts or “horns” on their heads. The black horns can be raised and lowered as the birds express different emotions. Horned larks are found in open country across North America, frequenting prairies, agricultural fields, shorelines, and alpine tundra. They nest on the ground, building small, cup-shaped nests out of grass, moss and feathers.
Horned larks eat mostly seeds and insects. When foraging, they walk along the ground, stopping periodically to look for food. Their diet consists of weed seeds, grasshoppers, beetles, flies and leafhoppers. Horned larks are monogamous and form breeding pairs during the breeding season. The female lays 3-5 eggs which hatch after 10-14 days. Both parents feed the young insects and seeds. Horned larks can produce two broods per year across most of their range.
Identification Tips
– Small size, about 6-8 inches long
– Pale brown overall with yellow throat and face
– Black “horns” or feather tufts that can raise and lower
– White-edged tail feathers visible during flight
– Found in open habitats like fields, prairies and tundra
What are meadowlarks?
Meadowlarks refer to two closely-related species of songbirds: the eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna) and western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). Meadowlarks are medium-sized songbirds, about 7-10 inches in length.
Eastern and western meadowlarks look very similar. Their plumage is mostly yellow-brown above with black streaking, and pale yellow below with a distinctive black “V” shape across the breast. The birds have long, pointed bills and short tails. As their name suggests, meadowlarks inhabit open grasslands, meadows and prairies. During the breeding season, males perform conspicuous song flights, spiraling up into the air while singing.
Identification Tips
– Medium size, 7-10 inches long
– Yellowish-brown plumage with heavy black streaking above
– Bright yellow breast with distinctive black “V” shape
– White outer tail feathers flash during flight
– Long, pointed bill
– Found in open grassy areas
Differences Between Horned Larks and Meadowlarks
While horned larks and meadowlarks occupy similar open habitats, they can be distinguished from each other in several ways:
Size and Shape
Horned larks are smaller, about 6-8 inches in length. Meadowlarks are slightly larger, 7-10 inches long. Horned larks have a slender, elongated appearance. Meadowlarks have a more compact, stocky build with a short tail and long pointed bill.
Plumage
Horned larks are mostly light brown above with some black markings on the head and back. Their underparts are pale yellow. Meadowlarks have bold yellow underparts and heavily streaked brown upperparts. The black “V” on the breast is a handy distinguishing mark for meadowlarks.
Facial Markings
Horned larks lack any bold facial markings besides their namesake black feather horns. Meadowlarks have a yellow throat, white “eyebrows”, dark malar stripe and central breast spot.
Beaks
Horned larks have thin, needle-like beaks used for picking insects and seeds off the ground. Meadowlarks have longer, stouter beaks more adapted for probing in the soil.
Habitats
While both species frequent open areas, horned larks prefer barer environments like agricultural fields, tundra and beaches. Meadowlarks stick to grasslands with ample vegetation for nesting and perching.
Flight and Tail Shape
In flight, horned larks display distinctive white outer tail feathers. Meadowlarks do not have white outer tail feathers, but their shorter tails and broad, rounded wings give them a distinctive flight profile.
Songs and Calls
Horned lark songs are high-pitched, squeaky and twittering. Meadowlark songs are more complex, flute-like and melodious. The calls of meadowlarks include a chuckling “gluck” note.
Table Comparing Horned Larks and Meadowlarks
Trait | Horned Lark | Meadowlark |
---|---|---|
Size | 6-8 inches long | 7-10 inches long |
Shape | Slender, elongated | Stocky, compact |
Plumage | Pale brown above, yellow below | Bold yellow below, streaked brown above |
Facial Markings | Black “horns” | Yellow throat, white “eyebrows”, black “V” breast |
Beak | Thin, needle-like | Long, pointed |
Habitat | Fields, tundra, beaches | Grasslands, meadows, prairies |
Tail | White outer feathers | No white feathers |
Flight | Buoyant | Direct, stiff wingbeats |
Song | High-pitched, twittering | Flute-like, melodious |
Behavioral Differences
Beyond physical characteristics, horned larks and meadowlarks exhibit some different behaviors:
Foraging
Horned larks mainly forage by walking along the ground, picking food from the soil surface. Meadowlarks use their long bills to probe into soil and grass to find food.
Flocking
During migration and winter, horned larks form large nomadic flocks sometimes numbering in the hundreds of birds. Meadowlarks are not as social, usually traveling in smaller groups outside of the breeding season.
Nest Sites
Horned larks nest in shallow depressions scraped out on the bare ground. Meadowlarks build domed nests concealed in dense grassy vegetation.
Territoriality
Meadowlark males are highly territorial during breeding season, defending a nesting area from other males. Horned larks are less territorial and nest semi-colonially in some cases.
Migratory Patterns
Horned larks in northern regions migrate further distances than meadowlarks. Some horned lark populations travel over 2,000 miles between breeding and wintering grounds.
Conclusion
In summary, horned larks and meadowlarks overlap in their open-country habitats but are distinctly different species. While telling them apart can be tricky at first glance, focusing on size, plumage patterns, beak shape, tails and songs will help properly distinguish between these two types of larks. Being able to correctly identify birds takes practice, so don’t get discouraged! With a little time spent observing birds in the field, you’ll be able to confidently tell a horned lark from a meadowlark.
Key differences to remember:
– Horned larks are smaller and slenderer
– Meadowlarks have bolder black-and-yellow plumage patterns
– Horned larks lack meadowlarks’ long pointed bills and short tails
– Horned larks prefer barer habitats like fields, meadowlarks like grasslands
– Horned lark songs are simple and high-pitched, meadowlark songs are more melodious
Getting familiar with birds’ visual and audible characteristics will make identification much easier. With the tips and comparisons outlined here, telling apart these two lark species should be no problem at all. So get out your binoculars and start birdwatching – good luck!
Additional Facts About Horned Larks and Meadowlarks
Horned Larks
– Horned larks are the only true larks native to North America. True larks are in the Alaudidae family.
– Twenty-six subspecies of horned lark are recognized across their widespread global range. Populations vary in plumage colors and dark/light patterning.
– The black “horns” on their heads probably help camouflage horned larks on the ground by breaking up their outline.
– Horned larks breed farther north than any other songbird in North America, up to northern Ellesmere Island in the Arctic.
– Their common name refers to their black head tufts, but they are also called “shore larks” due to liking bare, open habitats.
Meadowlarks
– Meadowlarks belong to the blackbird family, not the lark family. But early settlers called them “meadow larks” due to their grassland habitats.
– Eastern and western meadowlarks were formerly considered one species but were split based on differences in their songs and geographic breeding ranges.
– Meadowlark numbers have declined over the past few decades due to loss of prairie and grassland breeding habitat.
– Unlike real larks, meadowlarks nest in vegetation on or near the ground rather than on the bare ground itself.
– Meadowlark courtship displays include males hovering above the ground and fluttering their wings while singing.
Importance of Identifying Birds Correctly
Being able to accurately identify birds is an important skill for birdwatchers and ornithologists for several reasons:
Tracking Populations
Correct identification allows researchers to obtain accurate census data and population trends over time for different species. This information helps guide conservation efforts for declining species.
Studying Behavior and Biology
Properly differentiating bird species in the field enables detailed behavioral studies and insights into differences in diet, nesting habits, migration and other biological traits between species.
Appreciating Biodiversity
There are over 800 species of birds in North America. Identifying each unique species allows birders to fully appreciate avian diversity and better understand how species fill different ecological niches.
Sharing Observations
Accurately catalogued bird sightings allow birders to collaborate by sharing noteworthy observations and data through online platforms like eBird. These collective data help track bird distributions and movements.
Avoiding Harm
Some birds are endangered or legally protected from harm or harassment. Correct ID skills help ensure birders and scientists avoid impacting sensitive species. For example, distinguishing between different types of eagles and hawks prevents disturbing rare raptors.
Developing a discerning eye and ear for subtle differences takes bird identification from a casual hobby to a valuable scientific skill. So whether watching birds for pleasure or professional research, taking the time to properly ID horned larks, meadowlarks and other species will make anyone a better birder.