Usually it is seen as just a hovering speck in the sky but with patience you may see that it is a classic small streaky brown bird. Notice though that it doesn't have the conical bill of a finch or bunting and it is too bulky to be a pipit. The white feather on the outer edge of the tail is a feature of many small birds but the Skylark is one of the few birds to show an additional white line along the trailing edge of each wing, clearly visible in flight.

Breeds on moorland, farmland, dunes and grassland. Winters on rough grassland, stubble and saltmarsh.

An abundant, although declining resident bird, which is found throughout Britain. They occur in a wide range of habitats from sand dunes to arable farmland. Many passage and winter birds also occur, mostly from northern Europe.

Very common and easily located in much of Europe.

©BirdGuides 1999