Larks
We have three species, 2 resident and one winter visitor. They are ground dwelling and nesting birds. Quite similar to pipits in habit and plumage, but have heavier bills, shorter legs and shorter tails. Our two residents, the Skylark and Woodlark, have two of the nicest bird songs to be heard.
Shore Lark - A quite stunning little bird that you could quite easily walk past and ignore. They're a winter migrant who tend to spend their time along the sea shore, on shingle or light salt marsh. Most notably along the North Norfolk coast. They search for seeds, generally in small flocks. Very distinct from any of our other species, with that strikingly coloured head. Smaller than the skylark. They're quite rare and slowly decreasing in number.
All taken at Holkham, N.Norfolk - February
Skylark - Such a plain looking bird, yet with a wonderful song. The sound of Summer in our countryside, and often by the coast. They congregate a lot by the coast during winter months, among the dunes and salt marsh. One of our more approachable birds. They've reduced a lot in number, but are still fairly numerous and easy to find. Just listen for their iconic song.
Woodlark - Another plain looking, until you get close, LBJ [Little Brown Jobbie]. Superficially very similar to skylark, but quite a bit smaller and in much lower numbers. The bold cream stripe above the eye is one of the key differences. Plus an even shorter tail and a very different song. Equally, or arguably even more, beautiful than the skylark's song, which most people love to hear. Difficult to find as they're so camouflaged in their heathland habitat. Feb/March are the best months to find them, due to the male's singing.
Cannock Chase, Staffs in mid-March