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Streaked horned lark

Eremophila alpestris strigata

Status

Streaked-horned lark is designated as a Candidate for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act (read more).  Current estimates suggest there are fewer than 800 individuals of this sub-species.

Photo: Washington Dept. Fish & Wildlife

Description

The streaked horned lark is a rare sub-species of the horned lark, in the order Passeriformes.  It is a small ground dwelling bird, and gets its name due to occipital feather tufts that stand up in males, but are less apparent in females.

Habitat and Range

This sub-species has a small range, and is currently restricted to Washington and Oregon.  Although there is little historical information, the lark is believed to have used prairie and open coastal habitats from the southwestern British through the Puget trough and Willamette Valley and into the Rogue River Valley. Streaked horned lark prefers sparse, open habitats for foraging and nesting.  Large-scale loss of these habitats has likely led to the lark’s decline, although in some cases it appears to have adapted to using open grassland areas at airports or agricultural fields. 

Threats

Remaining populations of streaked horned lark are at risk from:

• habitat loss
• alteration of natural disturbance regimes
• invasion of habitat by non-native species