Temminck's lark or Temminck's horned lark, is a bird species of the family Alaudidae. It breeds across much of north Africa, through northern Saudi Arabia to western Iraq. It is mainly resident, but some populations of this passerine bird are partially migratory, moving further south in winter. This bird's common name commemorates the Dutch naturalist Coenraad Jacob Temminck. The population is declining in Israel and may also be declining elsewhere, probably as a result of habitat loss. Nevertheless, this is a common bird in many parts of its wide range and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Region
North Africa and the Middle East
Typical Environment
Found from the Atlantic fringes of the Sahara across North Africa to Egypt, and east through the Sinai, Israel and Jordan into northern Saudi Arabia and western Iraq. It inhabits open desert and semi-desert with sparse vegetation, gravel plains, stony plateaus, and salt flats. The species favors barren ground with scattered shrubs or grasses, wadis, and edges of sandy dunes. It is largely resident, though some populations move southward or to lower elevations in winter to exploit milder conditions.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as Temminck's horned lark, it is named after the Dutch naturalist Coenraad Jacob Temminck. Males show small horn-like feather tufts during display and have striking black facial markings with twin black breast patches. It is adapted to hot deserts, often seeking shade and conserving water, and forms small flocks outside the breeding season.
Eremophila bilopha - MHNT
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Breeds in open ground, nesting in a shallow scrape lined with plant material and small stones. Pairs are territorial during breeding, but birds form small flocks outside the breeding season and may join mixed-species groups at water sources. Display flights by males are common, with singing given from the air or a low perch.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a clear, tinkling series of whistles and trills delivered from the ground or during short display flights. Calls include a sharp tsip and softer twittering notes used in flock contact.
