Crested Lark
Galerida cristata
The crested lark is a species of lark widespread across Eurasia and northern Africa. It is a non-migratory bird, but can occasionally be found as a vagrant in Great Britain.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crested_lark
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Alaudidae
Genus
Galerida
Crested Lark belongs to the family Alaudidae, order Passeriformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
The crested lark is a species of lark widespread across Eurasia and northern Africa. It is a non-migratory bird, but can occasionally be found as a vagrant in Great Britain.
I believe there may be an error in the classification provided, as the Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) is typically classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, not Critically Endangered. However, local populations face declines due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urbanization. The species is experiencing pressure from changes in farming practices that reduce suitable nesting sites and foraging areas.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
The crested lark breeds across most of temperate Eurasia from Portugal to north-eastern China and eastern India, and in Africa south to Niger. It is non-migratory, and the sedentary nature of this species is illustrated by the fact that it is only a very rare vagrant to Great Britain, despite breeding as close as northern France. While the bird is not commonly found in Scandinavia today, it could...
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
I believe there may be an error in the classification provided, as the Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) is typically classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, not Critically Endangered. However, local populations face declines due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urbanization. The species is experiencing pressure from changes in farming practices that reduce suitable nesting sites and foraging areas.
Agricultural intensification
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Changes in land use practices
Urbanization and infrastructure development
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| NP | NTNear Threatened | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Crested Lark (Galerida cristata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/crested-lark