Horned Lark

Description:

Snowy and dark day, driving by an airport. My first spotting of a Horned Lark. 7-8 inches. Larger than a sparrow, Brown, with black stripe below eye, black crescent on breast, and black horns (not always seen). Walks rather than hops. The only true lark in the New World, this is one of our earliest nesting birds. Even in northern states may be found in February, when the first set of eggs is usually destroyed by severe snowstorms.

Habitat:

Airports, fields, and beaches.

Notes:

The species favors the most barren habitats; as soon as thick grass begins to grow in an area, the birds abandon it. In fall they roam the open countryside in large flocks.