Calandrella brachydactyla - Short-toed Lark
Feather characters. Barbules are rather short (0.66-0.85 mm) and divided into pigmented nodes and partly pigmented (less than 50%) internodes. Bell-shaped nodes are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules (32-36 per mm). They all are about the same size, slightly decreasing towards distal end. Villi are rounded and internodes are straight. Minute prongs are present on distal end of barbules and on both sides of the pennulum. Barbules have this typical structure for Passeriformes; pigmented, bell-shaped nodes combined with rounded villi.
Field characters. Size 14 cm. Weight 20.7 g (16.3-24.2) (Dunning, 1993).
Smaller and lighter coloured than Skylark, without crest, but crown can give a pointed appearance. Plumage variable. Relatively large pointed bill, light broad supercilium, dark eye-stripe. Dark spots on sides of breast, like in Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra, not included in BRIS), but difficult to see in autumn and winter. Upperparts sandy-brown with dark streaks, sides of breast faintly streaked, underparts white. Tail with white outer tail feathers. Important difference with Lesser Short-toed Lark (Calandrella rufenscens, not included in BRIS) is the lack of primary projection, because the tertials completely cover the primaries; also bill larger, breast unstreaked or only faintly streaked (lightly streaked in Lesser Short-toed Lark), more striking head pattern with clearer supercilium, and dark spots on sides of breast. Found in pairs during breeding season, but on migration and in winter sometimes in huge flocks, often with other larks.
Voice. Song like Skylark, but imitates other species. Call in flight sometimes reminiscent of Chaffinch, 'chilp' or 'chuup', but also 'chirrup' like Skylark.
Distribution. Summer visitor. Common. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Sandy and stony fields. In winter often on ploughed fields and stubble.
Food. Seeds and invertebrates. Feeds on the ground.