Greater Short-toed Lark
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Calandrella brachydactyla
Rare migrants from Southern Europe with 15-25 per year & 75 records for Ireland, mainly in Spring & Autumn.
Breeds in South Western Europe & North West Africa
Winters in North Africa.
They are a small pale lark, smaller than the Skylark.
It is dark-streaked greyish-brown above, and white below, and has a strong pointed bill that is pinkish with a grey culmen.
It has a pale supercilium, dark patches on each side of its neck and a dark tail.
Some birds in the west of the range have a rufous crown.
The sexes are similar.
The song varies between a dry twittering and a more varied and imitative melody.