Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris Livingston County, NY	Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris Livingston County, NY

***Federal - MBTA***

    Horned Larks are one of New York's most interesting birds, at least as far as migrations goes.  They can be found in the state at almost anytime of the year.  They frequent plowed fields and agricultural areas, both in summer and winter.  In the summer we have small numbers of breeding birds.  Superbly camoflaged, their dusty brown color blends with dusty corn fields and tilled or grassy lands.  Often their presence is first noted by their songs, a high tinkling twitter (twittering tinkle?) sometimes delivered in flight.  The summer birds are joined in the winter by the prarie subspecies, which is similar, but has a yellowish face while resident birds are mostly white faced.  Both have a distinctive black mask and bib, with two small "horns" sticking above the face.  The horns can be seen only at close range and are most prominent in males.
    In winter Horned Larks are often seen in large mixed flocks with Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspurs, and in migration American Pipits.  These flocks often feed along roadsides where they find spilled grain and manure.  They also feed on road salt.  One of our earliest breeders, nests have been found as early as February when eggs are sometimes killed by frost and snowfalls.