Alauda arvensis

1 Eurasian Skylark at Rock Flat, NSW

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Identification history

Alauda arvensis	4 Aug 2019	natureguy
Alauda arvensis	3 Aug 2019	natureguy
Alauda arvensis	25 Jul 2019	ArcherCallaway
Anthus australis	24 Jul 2019	RobParnell

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User's notes

I have added two further photos to assist with clarification. The back view shows the primaries in relation to the tertials and the side view shows a pipit leg

7 comments

ArcherCallaway wrote:

25 Jul 2019

I wonder if this might be a skylark - I've not seen one up close (except in Japan) but the facial markings look strange for a pipit and it seems to have a hint of a crest with the shape of its head

RobParnell wrote:

25 Jul 2019

Jackie Miles has said skylarks are common along the Springfield Road between Nimmitabel and Dalgety in grassland. This siting is not far from that road. However I took seven photos of the above bird and none of them show an obvious crest. It was a very windy day, so you would think a crest would show.

Illilanga wrote:

25 Jul 2019

Ryu, the bird is very similar to the birds we have in our area. My ID was based on the long, orange tinted legs, the "stance" (tall, erect) plus markings, in particular the wing and striations on the chest/crown.

natureguy wrote:

25 Jul 2019

I undid the confirmation so that others can contribute their suggestion.

natureguy wrote:

3 Aug 2019

In photo 2 the bird looks more Skylark-like as it appears to have a crest and low down stance.

natureguy wrote:

4 Aug 2019

Compare the stance and colouration of Skylark (https://ebird.org/media/catalog?taxonCode=skylar&mediaType=p&sort=rating_rank_desc®ion=Australia%20(AU)®ionCode=AU&q=Eurasian%20Skylark) vs Pipit (https://ebird.org/media/catalog?taxonCode=auspip1&sort=rating_rank_desc&mediaType=p®ionCode=)

ArcherCallaway wrote:

4 Aug 2019

I think the other difference is the light brow which circles around the face back up to the beak is more distinct for the pipit whereas it sort of fades off a bit for skylark like this bird

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