Hello, everyone! Today, let’s talk about a somewhat unusual bird, known as the Red-capped Lark. This little bird is like a tiny adventurer.
Though it appears rather plain, it’s a rare and special member of the lark family. With a total length of about 14 cm, it’s slightly smaller than a sparrow. Its back and upper wings are brown, with blackish-brown spots on its chest. Both males and females share the same coloration, with distinctive grey-brown streaks from their head to their back.
The Red-capped Lark seldom visits Japan. In Japan, they can be observed, especially on the islands along the Sea of Japan, from March to May and from October to November. There have been a few records of them from Hokkaido to Kanagawa.
Their call is distinctive, sounding like “jun jun” or “chun chun”. Outside the breeding season, they move in small groups and enjoy dust bathing. They have a habit of eating insects and seeds on the ground using their beaks.
In winter, Red-capped Larks overwinter along the Mediterranean coast to northwestern India, and in spring, they migrate for breeding from southern Europe to northern China. Their behavior and ecology are quite fascinating. Such a small bird traveling long distances, sometimes even reaching Japan, is indeed a little adventurer!
If you get the chance to encounter the Red-capped Lark, take the time to observe this rare bird closely!
