Shore Lark - Eremophila alpestris

A striking bird somewhat larger than a sparrow (14 to 17cm), the Shore Lark is most easily identified by its black face patches and breast stripe, yellow throat and forehead, and black “horn-shaped” feather tufts on its head. Other field marks include a brown body, pale breast, and black underside to the tail. Male and female Shore Larks are similar to one another in all seasons, although females have slightly duller plumage. 

Shore larks like to feed along the strandline or in dunes but sometimes also venture into nearby fields.

An occasional winter visitor to Britain.

This species primarily eats seeds, but may eat insects when they are available, particularly in the warmer months and during migration.

British visitors are usually seen at coastal locations, mostly in the east. UK conservation status: Amber.

Rarely seen in Leicestershire and Rutland.