Lark

Lark Lark, n. [OE. larke, laverock, AS. l[=a]werce; akin to D. leeuwerik, LG. lewerke, OHG. l[=e]rahha, G. lerche, Sw. l["a]rka, Dan. lerke, Icel. l[ae]virki.] (Zo["o]l.) Any one numerous species of singing birds of the genus {Alauda} and allied genera (family {Alaudid[ae]}). They mostly belong to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. In America they are represented by the shore larks, or horned larks, of the genus {Otocoris}. The true larks have holaspidean tarsi, very long hind claws, and, usually, dull, sandy brown colors. [1913 Webster]

Note: The European skylark, or lark of the poets ({Alauda arvensis}), is of a brown mottled color, and is noted for its clear and sweet song, uttered as it rises and descends almost perpendicularly in the air. It is considered a table delicacy, and immense numbers are killed for the markets. Other well-known European species are the crested, or tufted, lark ({Alauda cristata}), and the wood lark ({Alauda arborea}). The pipits, or titlarks, of the genus {Anthus} (family {Motacillid[ae]}) are often called larks. See {Pipit}. The American meadow larks, of the genus {Sturnella}, are allied to the starlings. See {Meadow Lark}. The Australian bush lark is {Mirafra Horsfieldii}. See {Shore lark}. [1913 Webster]

{Lark bunting} (Zo["o]l.), a fringilline bird ({Calamospiza melanocorys}) found on the plains of the Western United States.

{Lark sparrow} (Zo["o]l.), a sparrow ({Chondestes grammacus}), found in the Mississippi Valley and the Western United States. [1913 Webster]