Shore Lark
Scientific Name: Eremophila alpestrisMaltese Name: Alwetta Safra
Family: Larks (Alaudidae)
Occurence: Vagrant
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
Unlike most other larks, this is a distinctive-looking species on the ground, mainly brown-grey above and pale below, with a striking black and yellow face pattern. The summer male has black "horns". Vocalizations are high-pitched, lisping or tinkling. The song, given in flight as is common among larks, consists of a few chips followed by a warbling, ascending trill. The nest is on the ground, with 2-5 eggs being laid. Food is seeds supplemented with insects in the breeding season.
In the open areas of western North America, Shore Larks are among the bird species most often killed by wind turbines.
Status:
Vagrant to the Maltese Islands, recorded only 6 times. The latest recorded was on June 2nd-3rd 2009 when 1 adult female was seen by a few birdwatchers at Majjistral Natural Park.
When to See:
All 6 records in different months.
Photographs:
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| Shore Lark, 2nd June 2007, Majjistral Natural Park | Shore Lark, 2nd June 2007, Majjistral Natural Park |
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