The Eurasian skylark (Alauda arvensis) is a bird species from the order of Passeriformes and the family of Alaudidae.
In Italy, in winter season, it migrates to the South; moving forward in October-November and March-April. The appearance of this bird is frequent in cultivated or grazing lands, in Eurasian Steppe, in open and free places like grassy fields, bushy lands and sandy hills; both in a level ground and in height.
The characteristics of this species are the small size (between 16-19,5 cm length), the brown plumage with lightly black stripes in the superior part, which becomes lighter ( white, reddish brown) in the lower parts as well as a small rised tuft only when alarmed.
It is quite commonly observed especially in autumn season, but this species population is getting diminished because of the various ecological disturbances. This species is also threatened from herbicides, fires and the existence of cement.
While singing, the male bird may appear like a dot in the sky from the ground and its song lasts from two to three minutes, but during the mating period can last up to twenty. This bird is the inspiration and subject of many poems and songs and is also considered as a herald animal by William Shakespeare who reffered to it as a "morning messenger".
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Notes
Mario Spagnesi, Lorenzo Serra - Uccelli d'Italia - Ministero dell'ambiente e della tutela del territorio, Direzione conservazione della natura, 2003