Common Name: Horned Lark
Scientific Name: Eremophila alpestris
Subspecies: Forty-two subspecies are recognized; the one around Las Vegas is the Mohave horned lark (Eremophila alpestris ammophila)
Order/Family: Passeriformes/Alaudidae (Larks)
Description: It is mainly brown-grey above and pale below, with a striking black and yellow face pattern. Except for the central feathers, the tail is mostly black, contrasting with the paler body; this contrast is especially noticeable when the bird is in flight. The summer male has black “horns”, which give this species its American name. Females lack the males black eye patch and are generally more pale. Horned Larks eat seeds and insects.
Distribution: It is found across the northern hemisphere. It is known as “horned lark” in North America and “shore lark” in Europe.
Habitat: Open land, such as on farmland, on prairies, in deserts, on golf courses and airports. In spring they congregate around Boulder Beach at Lake Mead to eat the seeds of the Tumbleweed or Russian Prickley Thistle (Kali tragus).
