Crested Lark
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Galerida cristata
Rare vagrants from Southern Europe with 30 records for Britain from April-June & November.
Breeds in France, Spain & Africa.
Adults are small, brown bird which has a short tail with light brown outer feathers.
Male and females have no real differences, but Juveniles have more spots on their back than their older counterparts.
Its plumage is downy but sparse and appears whitish.
The distinct crest from which the crested lark gets its name is conspicuous at all times but is more pronounced during territorial or courtship displays and when singing.
In flight it shows reddish underwings.
It shares many characteristics with the Thekla Lark, with the main distinctions between the two being the beak.