The Skylark

Description

The Skylark is one of Britain’s most popular and inspirational birds, and in recent years it has also been one of the most newsworthy. The species’ population has plummeted as a consequence of changes in farming practice, and the RSPB has launched a major research and fund-raising campaign to save the ‘blithe spirit’ from further decline. This book looks at all aspects of the life of the Skylark, from its biology, migratory patterns, breeding behaviour and habitat requirements, to its role in legend and folklore. It also discusses its recent rapid decline which has led to the species being placed on the top-priority ‘red list’ of Birds of Conservation Concern by the leading governmental and non-governmental conservation organisations in the UK. Three closely related species, Oriental and Japanese Skylarks and the enigmatic Raso Lark are also discussed. Cover Contents List of Figures List of Colour plates List of Tables Acknowledgements 1 THE LARKS Distribution, habitats and numbers Evolution and taxonomy The different genera 1. Mirafra 2. Pinarocorys 3. Heteromirafra 4. Certhilauda 5. Chersomanes 6. Eremopterix 7. Ammomanes 8. Alaemon 9. Rhamphocoris 10. Melanocorypha 11. Calandrella 12. Spizocorys 13. Eremalauda 14. Cersophilus 15. Galerida 16. Pseudalaemon 17. Lullula 18. Alauda 19. Eremophila Structure of the larks General ecology and behaviour Surviving heat and drought 2 DISTRIBUTION AND VARIATION Structure Subspecific variation Identification of the Alauda larks 3 POPULATIONS AND HABITATS Habitats Other factors affecting Skylark distribution Populations and population trends 4 SONG AND SONG FLIGHT Song The song flight Duration and timing of song 5 MATING AND TERRITORIALITY Relationship between the sexes Site fidelity and sex ratios Territoriality and aggression 6 NESTS AND EGGS The breeding season Nest building Eggs and laying Incubation and hatching 7 RAISING THE CHICKS Life in the nest Leaving the nest Parental care Patterns of growth and development Feeding the chicks 8 PRODUCTIVITY Nest survival and predation Productivity of nests and the number of nesting attempts 9 MIGRATION AND OTHER MOVEMENTS Annual migration Mass movements Movements of British Skylarks Hard weather movements Migratory flight Sex ratios 10 WINTER Habitat use in winter Diet and feeding rates Behaviour in winter 11 SURVIVAL AND MORTALITY Predators and other causes of mortality Predators and population declines Hunting today 12 SKYLARKS AND MODERN AGRICULTURE The politics of agricultural intensification Declines in biodiversity on farmland Skylarks and cereals Skylarks and set-aside Skylarks and grassland Skylarks, hedgerows and crop diversity Pesticides and organic farming Genetically modified crops Skylarks as crop pests The conservation of Skylarks on farmland 13 POETRY, PERSECUTION AND THE RISE OF POPULAR PROTEST The Skylark in art and popular culture Introduced populations Hunting through history Victorian markets and the rise of protest Epilogue Appendices 1 The world’s larks 2 Scientific names of plants and animals mentioned in the text Bibliography Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y