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After a request on the Bird Quiz to explain the difference between three of the Lark family, i thought i would start this thread for the benefit of everyone with Identification questions.

So anybody who is unsure of bird ID can post it here? Brilliant Idea Paul! I will post one in a minute I am just putting the images on photobucket!

*EDIT* Ok here it is. Is this a Lesser Black Backed (man thats a mouthfull) Gull, or a Herring Gull?

Well it certainly isn't a Herring Gull with those bright yellow legs! Looks like an LBB to me.

Ok cheers

Do you have any photos of it side on. On close inspection the legs dont look that yellow. Photos can make fleshy parts on gulls look too bright.

Nah sorry Paul, these are the only ones I have got. It was a point and shoot moment, and then the bird flew off unseen.

Thanks for doing this Paul.

Actually the bird quiz is really good for brushing up bird knowledge because it forces you to look at all the distinguishing features and minor differences between similar species.

This is great as it is by my thinking was that if we were told why the bird was not some of the near misses, our knowledge could increase even more (if our brains have the capacity)

So, crested lark may not be the best example but what are the key differences between skylark, crested lark and thekla lark?

Okay. The Thekla and Crested Lark are really the two that are difficult to seperate. Skylarks are relatively easy. They do not have a particularly evident crest like the other two, although a gust of wind from behind can create the impresion it has one! The outertail feathers are white. It is slightly larger than the other two and is the one that is resident in the UK. The other two are very rare visitors to the UK. The Skylark also delivers its song from high up and on the wing.

[attachment=429][attachment=427]

Crested Lark has a conspicuous erect crest, shorter tail (than Skylark) with buff outer tail feathers. Song delivered in flight or from perch but not like Skylark. Crested also has an orangy underwing in flight.

[attachment=428][attachment=426]

Thekla Lark has a greyish underwing. It perches on bushes more readily than crested lark and prefers a more rocky habitat than the other two. Thekla is very slightly smaller than Crested and has more conspicuous dark spots especially on its breast.

[attachment=430]


Hope this is of some use!
(photos courtesy of G.Reszeter, J.H.Johns)
(References: Birds of Britain and Europe - Collins Guide; Passerines of the Palearctic - Collins and personal observations by myself!)

Thank you, that does help.

The crested lark reminds me of the time I look after my land lady's love birds many years ago. We had a fight with her hair mousse and a blob landed on the head of one of the birds. Luckily we managed to squirt if off with a bit of water and thought all was well but the next morning came across the world's first crested lovebird............

ATTENTION MODERATORS Can this go in the Important Threads bit at the top of the page? We are getting quit a few ID type threads that would fit nicely into this?

Curlew Sandpiper?

Not too sure what size it is Jamie, but could it be one of the Godwits??.

I dunno, but I do know that it was larger or similar in size to a Black headed Gull, as it was feeding along side one.

Almost certainly a Black Tailed Godwit

You seem very confident there Musclecat!

I have done a little comparison for myslef: (images courtesy of http://www.surfbirds.com)

Black Tailed Godwit


Curlew Sandpiper


I still can't decide between these two images.