Black Lark

The Black Lark, Melanocorypha yeltoniensis, presents a striking figure in the avian world. This robust lark measures between 18 to 20.5 centimeters in length. The adult male is a vision in black, with pale feather fringes adorning its back, and a bill that can be described as yellowish or pink. In stark contrast, the female is more subdued in appearance, with a grey plumage mottled with dark blotches above and a paler hue below, her legs and underwing matching the male's in their blackness.

Identification Tips

To identify the male Black Lark, one should look for its all-black plumage, which is quite unique. The female, however, may require a keener eye due to her less distinctive coloring, which includes a grey upper body with dark blotches and a paler underside.

Habitat

The Black Lark favors the open steppe, often found in proximity to bodies of water, where it can thrive in the expansive landscapes.

Distribution

Native to south-eastern Russia and Kazakhstan, the Black Lark is a bird accustomed to the vastness of the steppe. It is known to be partially migratory, with some populations moving south-east during winter to areas as far as the northern Black Sea coasts in southern Ukraine.

Behaviour

The Black Lark exhibits gregarious behavior during the winter months. Its nesting habits are terrestrial, with a clutch of 4 to 5 eggs typically laid on the ground.

Song & Calls

The male Black Lark's song is reminiscent of the Eurasian Skylark's, albeit performed with a frantic energy that sets it apart.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Black Lark consists of seeds and insects, with the latter being particularly important during the breeding season to support the growth of its young.

Conservation status

The Black Lark is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.