Cold Feet and Beak
by Elizabeth Winter
Title
Cold Feet and Beak
Artist
Elizabeth Winter
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Horned lark populations have steadily declined as dry, open uplands have reverted to forests or have been destroyed by development. As with other ground-nesting birds, high populations of predators, such as raccoons, skunks, and housecats, have also contributed to the decline of this species.
The horned lark is known for the way it travels; it walks instead of hopping and sings from any slight elevation on the ground. The song, a clear "tsee-ee," is irregular, high-pitched, and often prolonged.
In its courtship flight, the male horned lark quietly ascends 300 to 800 feet or more above ground and begins a high-pitched, tinkling flight song as it circles. When the song ends, the lark drops headfirst, with closed wings, waiting until it almost crash-lands, before opening its wings and pulling out of the dive.
The claw on the hind toe of the horned lark is long and straight. This "larkspur" is characteristic of members of the lark family.
Many of the horned lark's regional names reflect its favored habitat: prairie bird, shore lark, road lark, and wheat bird. Even its genus name, Eremophila, is Latin for "desert-loving," further illustrating this bird's fondness for bare, open ground.
Uploaded
February 8th, 2018
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Viewed 489 Times - Last Visitor from Woodbridge, VA on 04/13/2024 at 5:54 AM
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Comments (26)
Sharon Williams Eng
That little guy doesn't look like he appreciates all that fresh snow. Great capture.
Laurie Search
Aww, this guy is so adorable!! Really beautiful capture of him, Elizabeth, with fantastic detail!!! :)))vf
Marian Bell
Great capture of this lovely bird, Elizabeth! Very interesting info, too. I can't imagine the bird diving back down , almost crash landing! Must be intriguing to watch! l/f
John Bartelt
Outstanding portrait of this beautiful Horned Lark, Elizabeth! And thanks for the informative description! l/f
Marvin Spates
This is such a beautiful little bird Elizabeth! I wonder how on Earth do they keep their little tiny feet warm walking on that cold snow! LF
Miroslava Jurcik
So adorable, love it !!! And its sad, while human overpopulating, all the animals and birds around the world declining ! l/f
Don Columbus
Congratulations Elizabeth, your work is Featured in "A Birding Group - Wings"! I invite you to place it in the group's "2018 Featured Image Archive" Discussion!! L/Tweet
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