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Bird Sightings : Hebrides : Short-toed Lark

 

Awaiting image for this species (could be a long wait!)

 

Short-toed Lark

(Greater short-toed lark)

Calandrella brachydactyla

 

• Short-toed Lark (Greater short-toed lark)
• Calandrella brachydactyla
• UK: Scarce visitor, 27 records a year BTO
• WI: Very rare accidental/vagrant (five or less records) TBC
• Breeds: Nests on ground in dryish open or cultivated country, grassland. Southern Europe, Northwest Africa, across temperate Asia, Africa
• Winters: South of breeding range to south Sahara, India (Common wanderer to N & W Europe spring & autumn)
• Diet: Forages on ground or digs. Seeds. (Breeding season also insects)
• Small pale lark, (smaller than Skylark). Dark-streaked greyish-brown above, white below. Strong pointed bill. Pale eye stripe, dark patches on sides of neck. Tail dark. (Western birds sometimes have rufous crown). Sexes similar

 

Short-toed Lark records in the Western Isles

Very rare accidental/vagrant (five or less records) TBC

 

The chart below shows how abundant the Short-toed Lark is during a month or when you are more likely to see it.

J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D

(Source: Outer Hebrides Birds Checklist)

 

 

Other local bird photographs

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