Skylark Vs Woodlark: Key Differences Explained

Not sure if the bird you’re observing is a Skylark or a Woodlark?

Despite their similar appearance, these birds have specific characteristics. This guide will highlight the major distinctions, such as size, preferred habitats, and songs.

Keep reading to see what sets them apart.

Key Takeaways

• Woodlarks are shorter in size and lighter in weight
• The woodlark’s song is usually regarded as more muted than the skylark’s
• Both build their nests into a cup shape from grass and plants
• Skylark’s song flight pattern consists of a unique vertical display

What Is The Difference Between Skylarks And Woodlarks?

Skylarks and Woodlarks are usually mistaken for one another, but there are easy ways to spot the difference. These includes;

Visual Differences

There are several visual differences between the Skylark and the Woodlark. The Skylark is larger, being about 18-19 cm in length with a wingspan of 30-36 cm. In contrast, the Woodlark is a bit smaller, around 15 cm long with a wingspan of 27-30 cm.

Skylarks have brown, streaky feathers that appear quite uniform, and they feature a small crest on their head that can be raised or lowered. Woodlarks also have brown, streaky plumage but with more distinct markings, including a prominent beige-white eye-stripe that runs across the nape.

The Skylark’s tail is relatively longer with white edges that are visible during flight and pale underparts with less distinct markings than the Woodlark.

The Woodlark’s flight pattern includes a bobbing motion with closed wing-glides, and it sings both while in flight and from perches. On the other hand, the Skylark’s flight is notable for a vertical display, where it sings continuously while hovering at great heights.

Differences In Habitat

Skylarks are frequently seen in various open terrains across Britain, such as highland areas, farms, grassy fields, heaths, and coastal parts.

On the other hand, Woodlarks are attracted to a range of semi-wooded settings. These birds are usually spotted in open woodlands, heathlands, and clearings within forests. They favour places with a combination of bare ground and low vegetation, offering suitable nesting and feeding areas.

As winter sets in, certain Skylark flocks relocate to lowland and coastal zones within the UK. Unlike them, some Woodlark groups choose to migrate to the continent during the colder season.

Nests & Eggs

Even though both birds nest on the ground and use similar nesting materials, Skylarks favour open grassy areas, whereas Woodlarks choose more sheltered locations by trees or shrubs in varied landscapes like woodlands. They both construct their nests from grass and plants into a cup shape.

The amount of eggs laid and the time taken for them to hatch are quite similar. Female Woodlarks lay 2 to 5 eggs, with an incubation period of about 13 days. Their nests are usually more hidden because of the diverse landscapes they occupy, unlike Skylarks. 

Skylarks lay between 3 to 5 eggs, and the incubation period is about 11 days. Their chicks become independent about two weeks after hatching, which allows the species to have multiple broods in a single breeding season.

The eggs of Skylarks are often found to be brown or a greyish-white, marked with darker spots. Woodlark eggs, however, are a shiny white and are speckled with reddish-brown.

Bird Calls

The distinct calls of these birds serve both to identify the species and to highlight their unique ecological niches and behaviours. 

The Skylark’s long, elevated call is tailored to open landscapes, whereas the Woodlark’s more patterned, lower song is fitting for its preference for varied, sheltered habitats.

Known for their continuous, melodious song, skylarks sing during high, hovering flights. Their song is a lengthy, bubbly warble that can go on for nearly an hour, with the bird soaring up to heights of 300 metres.

In comparison, the woodlark’s song features a string of harmonious, flute-like sounds, usually regarded as more muted than the skylark’s.

Size & Weight

Skylarks are known for their slightly larger size in comparison to Woodlarks, which are smaller and more compact. The Skylark’s length is roughly 18-19 cm, with a wingspan of 30-36 cm, and they usually weigh around 33 to 45 grams.

By comparison, the Woodlark is somewhat smaller, measuring around 15 cm in length and having a wingspan of 27-30 cm. It typically weighs between 25 and 35 grams, making it both shorter and lighter than the Skylark.

SEE ALSO: Skylark Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)

Frequently Asked Questions