Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris actia) 18 November 2017 at North Waverly Rd, Linden, San Joaquin County, CA Photos © 2017 Joseph Morlan
Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris actia)

Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris actia)
Horned Larks prefer open country with sparse vegetation. They are the only native lark species breeding in North America.

North American populations are divided into three groups, a dark group in the East, a pale group in the West and a rufous group in the Far West. The subspecies breeding in the San Joaquin Valley of California is named E. a. actia and is part of the rufous group. This race intergrades with E. a. rubea which replaces it in the Sacramento Valley. E. a. actia has more contrast between the ruddy coloration on the wings and upper back and the rest of the upperparts than does rubea where the colors are more blended.

The "horns" are actually occipital feather tufts which are usually raised in males and flattened in females. Tufts are flattened in this individual.

Canon PowerShot SX50 HS.
[ Back to Photo Gallery ] [ Home ]