Photo Study Of Horned Larks And Their Allies

Ed Norman and I went to Bombay Hook NWR in Smyrna, DE yesterday. Near the entrance, we found Horned Larks who were very willing to pose in the sun for us. This photo study shows some of the Bombay Hook photos of the Horned Larks but also others taken this year in NJ, DE and PA of other Horned Larks and their good friends, the Snow Buntings, American Pipits and the Lapland Longspurs.

The Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) is the only true lark native to North America. It is about 6 1/2 inches long and a common, widespread bird of open country. Horned Larks often join mixed flocks of Lapland Longspurs, Snow Buntings and American Pipits. In the non-breeding season, they forage in large nomadic flocks. They feed while walking and running on the ground. Males perform a flight-song display high above the ground. During the breeding season, courtship, nesting, and feeding take place on territories. The song is a high-pitched tinkling made while in flight.

Horned Lark At Bombay Hook NWR, DE

The Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) is appropriately named. It is about 6 to 7 inches long and a bird of the high Arctic and snowy winter fields. Even on a warm day, the mostly white plumage of a bunting flock evokes the image of a snowstorm. It winters on the east coast which affords us the opportunity to see it. Seeds are part of the Snow Bunting's diet year round, but especially in winter. During summer, they eat more insects and spiders, and the young are fed almost entirely an invertebrate diet. Birds in coastal areas may also eat tiny crustaceans.

Snow Bunting At Port Mahon Ditch, DE

The Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus) is a common songbird about 6 inches long. It is a bird  of the Arctic tundra and it winters in open fields across much of the United States and southern Canada. Seeds and arthropods make up the Lapland Longspur's diet. During the summer, arthropods make up about half their diet, although the young Longspurs eat a far greater proportion. In winter, seeds are an important diet component. In agricultural areas, they consume waste grain in great quantities as well.

Lapland Longspur At Oberly WMA In Alpha, NJ

American Pipit At Bombay Hook NWR, DE

Please click on either the thumbnails or the captions below to see a larger image...thank!

  © Howard B. Eskin 2010                         Please email your comments to hbeskin@voicenet.com                              Please click here to go back to Bird Webpage Index