Wildlife Around Las Vegas, Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris)

Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris)
Birds Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas

	General Description: Horned Larks (Eremophila alpestris) are small, sexually monomorphic, sparrow-like birds with black bandit mask, a yellow throat, and a black neck band. The tail is black with white edges. During the breeding season, adults have tufts of feathers that stick up above the ears -- the "horns" on a Horned Lark. Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Alaudidae. Residency: Winter visitor. Favored Habitat: Old fields, road sides, and open deserts.
	Where to Find: Along desert roads during winter. Comments:
	Horned Lark in winter.
	Horned Lark; note the black bandit mask and black chest patch.
	Juvenile Horned Lark with faded colors.
	Note the black mask, yellow throat, and black collar.
	Although a dry lake bed might be a little extreme, Horned Larks prefer open flatland habitats.
	Horned Lark on the lawn at Miller's Rest Area.
	This young bird shows the field marks, although they are a bit dull. This bird was found dead after a particularly cold winter night.
	A flock of sparrow-sized birds with black tails and white outer tail feathers is often the only thing you see when these birds fly up from along the edge of a road.
	Horned Lark winter adult
	Horned Lark; notice the unusually heavy streaking on the front, perhaps reminants of the briefly held juvenile plumage.
	Horned Lark winter adult
	Horned Lark winter adult
	If you were a tasty bug, this might be the last face you'd ever see!
	If you were a tasty bug or a little seed, you'd better hope you never see this face!