Black lark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black lark |
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Melanocorypha
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| Species: |
yeltoniensis
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The black lark (Melanocorypha yeltoniensis) is a cool bird that belongs to the lark family. You can find these birds mainly in south-eastern Russia and Kazakhstan. They are known for their unique look, especially the males!
Contents
What's in a Name?
Where Did the Black Lark Get Its Name?
The black lark's scientific name is Melanocorypha yeltoniensis. This name has a cool history!
The first part, Melanocorypha, comes from Ancient Greek. Melas means "black," and koruphos was an old word for a bird. People sometimes mixed it up with korudos, which means "lark."
The second part, yeltoniensis, tells us where this bird was first found. It's named after Lake Elton in the Volgograd region of Russia.
What Does a Black Lark Look Like?
Spotting a Black Lark
The black lark is a fairly large and strong bird. It can grow to be about 18 to 20.5 centimeters long.
Male vs. Female Black Larks
The adult male black lark is super easy to spot because it's almost completely black! It might have a few light-colored feathers on its back. Its beak can be yellowish or pink.
Female black larks look quite different. They are mostly grey with dark spots on their upper bodies. Their undersides are lighter. Both their legs and the feathers under their wings are black.
What Does a Black Lark Sound Like?
If you hear a black lark sing, you might think it sounds a bit like a very fast and excited Eurasian skylark. It's a lively song!
Where Do Black Larks Live?
Black Lark Homes and Travels
Black larks love wide open spaces called steppes. They often live near water sources.
These birds are partly migratory. This means some of them travel during different seasons. Birds from the northwest of their breeding areas fly southeast for winter. They go deeper into Russia and nearby countries. Some even reach the northern coasts of the Black Sea in southern Ukraine.
Sometimes, a black lark might wander far from its usual home. These rare visitors are called "vagrants." They have been seen in various parts of Europe, but it's not common.
How Do Black Larks Live?
Nesting and Eating Habits
Black larks build their nests right on the ground. A female black lark usually lays about 4 to 5 eggs.
What do they eat? Their diet includes seeds and insects. During the breeding season, they especially enjoy eating insects. When it's winter, black larks often gather in groups. They like to be together!
