Skylark (Sky Lark)
Alauda arvensis
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Distribution Britain 2,729 (-1.6%) Ireland 927 (-6.4%)
Numbers breeding: Britain 1,046,000 Ireland 570,000 European status: 30,000,000 (8% in Britain and Ireland =4) British population trend: recent sharp declines (-60% CBC){-52%} How likely are you to record it? 3068 squares (68.3%) Ranked 13 [20] |
This is one species that earlier birdwatchers would never have believed could cause real concern because of widespread declines. Universally common in open areas from coastal marshes almost to the mountain tops they were caught and caged, killed and eaten at home or exported, in huge numbers, for food, mostly to France. There was no suggestion of a problem at the time of the first Breeding Atlas but between this and the second Atlas there was a 60% decline on the CBC — 75% on farmland. This is still a common and very widespread bird, but even recent surveys in the remote peatlands of the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland (undertaken in 1988, 1991 and 1995) showed tremendous losses. Skylark registrations fell from 1235 to 565 and finally 238 — a staggering decline of 81% over seven years. This is probably a winter problem on farmland further south. Detailed work on the species indicates that they may be breeding less often on arable land as the crops are too dense for them to nest. BTO data from NRS shows that recent breeding attempts are actually becoming more successful. However in the winter the lack of stubbles, through autumn planting, and weed seeds, through efficient herbicide use, are probably affecting survival badly. Until the CAP is revised and helps the species, more losses are almost inevitable.
Browne, S., Vickery, J., & Chamberlain, D., 2000 Bird Study: 47,52-65.
Chamberlain, D.E. & Crick, H.Q.P. 1999 Ibis: 141, 38-51.
Hancock, M. & Avery, M. 1998 Scottish Birds: 19, 195-205.
UKBAP MAFF RSPB.
The following Bird On! sketch is available:
Skylark
From
The
State of the Nations Birds
Copyright © 2000 by Chris Mead