The Horned Lark is a distinctive small songbird that, while somewhat rare in the Estes Valley, can be frequently observed in the high-altitude tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer. This species is extensively distributed across the United States. In Colorado, these birds favor expansive, open environments such as sagebrush valleys on the high plains, prairie lands, and open agricultural fields along the Front Range. Beyond their preference for wide-open spaces, several fascinating characteristics set this avian species apart from other songbirds.

Physical Characteristics and Territorial Status

The most recognizable feature of this bird, and the source of its common name, is the presence of two small, dark tufts of feathers on its head that resemble tiny horns. Beyond its appearance, the Horned Lark holds a unique place in North American biology as the only member of the lark family that is actually indigenous to the continent. Other lark species found in the region are typically introduced.

Ground-Based Behaviors and Movement

In contrast to the majority of bird species that move by hopping, the Horned Lark typically walks or takes long strides while navigating the terrain. This terrestrial lifestyle is further emphasized by the fact that they almost never perch in trees, preferring to stay close to the earth where they forage for a diet consisting of various seeds and insects.

Nesting Habits and "Pavings"

Female Horned Larks exhibit a curious nesting behavior involving the collection of "pavings." They gather miscellaneous items such as small rocks, dried animal waste, corncobs, and dirt clods to line the perimeter of their nesting sites. While scientists have yet to determine the exact purpose of this behavior, one prevailing theory suggests that these heavy objects act as anchors to keep the nesting materials from being swept away by the high winds common in their open-habitat environments.