The Tibetan lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found on the Tibetan Plateau from north-western India to central China. Alternate names for this species include the Asiatic lark, long-billed calandra lark and long-billed lark.
Region
Tibetan Plateau
Typical Environment
Occurs across high-altitude grasslands and steppe from north-western India (Ladakh) and Nepal across Tibet to Qinghai and adjacent parts of central China. It favors open alpine meadows, short-grazed pastures, and arid steppe with scattered low vegetation. The species nests on the ground in sparse cover, often among tussocks or stones that provide some shelter. In winter it may descend locally to slightly lower elevations where snow cover is lighter, using fallow fields and valley bottoms.
Altitude Range
3200–5200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of the largest larks, the Tibetan lark is adapted to life on the thin-air grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau. Its notably long, slightly decurved bill helps it probe for seeds and invertebrates in tough alpine turf. Males deliver rich, far-carrying songs during aerial display flights over their territories.
Temperament
wary and territorial during breeding; more tolerant and loosely gregarious outside the season
Flight Pattern
strong flier with bounding direct flight; males perform high, circling song-flights and brief hovering displays
Social Behavior
Breeds in dispersed pairs with ground nests hidden among grasses or stones. Clutch size is typically small, and both parents attend the young. Outside the breeding season, individuals may form small loose flocks on open pasture and stubble.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A rich, varied lark song of fluty whistles, trills, and mimicry-like phrases delivered from the ground or during prolonged aerial display. Calls include sharp chips and rolling churrs used in contact and alarm.
