Habitat
Most widely distributed bird in Britain, occurring wherever any kind of farming is
practised, also on managed land such as golf pitches and also in upland rough pastures and
moorland.
Geographical spread
Britain, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Rumania, Norway, Ireland,
Sweden and Czechoslavakia.
Status
Red-listed (i.e. very threatened) by RSPB and Nature Conservancy Council in Britain.
Size
18-19cm, wing-span 30-36cm.
Average life expectancy
Oldest ringed bird 8 years and 5 months (Rydzewski 1978).
Normal diet
Feeds on insects and other invertebrates particularly in summer, cereal grain and
weed seeds.
Normal lifestyle
In Britain the Skylark is mainly resident although some populations are
visitors from Sept/Oct to Mar/Apr. Ground-living species. Flocks in autumn and winter on
ploughed and stubble land. Their song is heard mainly between January and July. Sings from
first light and during all daylight hours. Breeding takes place from May to June in Britain.
Females lay a clutch of 3-5 eggs, and up to 4 broods a season but fewer in northern latitudes.
Young are helpless at birth and stay in the nest until they are able to fly. The young are well
camouflaged and freeze when danger threatens. Both parents care for and feed the chicks. The
young leave the nest after 8-10 days and become independent after about 25 days. Skylarks
breed when they are about 1 year old.
Reasons for decline
The Skylark has shown one of the biggest declines of any farmland birds
in recent years (particularly in Britain). Between 1969 and 1994 the British population of
Skylarks has decreased by 58% (CBC data). The reasons for this decline are associated with
changes in farming practices. This species has been particularly badly effected because it both
feeds and nests within the fields themselves rather than in the boundaries. Intensification of
farming methods has led to less invertebrate food for Skylarks and the favoured (by farmers)
fast-growing, heavily fertilised varieties of cereals make a poor habitat for raising chicks.
Conservation projects
On 1 August 1995 the BTO started a 'Save Our Skylarks' campaign
to help farmland birds. Through this project they hope to study a range of farmland birds and
understand why each is declining and are asking birdwatchers and the general public for their
support.
File last modified Thursday, October 3, 1996