Scientists have discovered a horned lark rare for Kunashir

The press service of the Kurilsky Nature Reserve reported that a horned lark was captured in a photo in the vicinity of the village of Otrada. This is an atypical representative of this family for Kunashir and the first lark recorded this spring.

This type of lark in the Kuril Islands is migratory. He was first met in 2017 in the south-west of Kunashir. The second meeting took place this spring. Scientists assume that the lark accidentally flew to Kunashir with a strong wind.

The horned lark usually nests in the tundra, especially in the mountains. During the winter, he moves south. These birds feed on invertebrates and seeds of herbaceous plants. It is important for them to return from wintering not earlier than they can find food for themselves.

There are only 2 species of horned larks in the world fauna. There is only one inhabitant in Russia. A typical representative of larks on Kunashir and Shikotan is the field lark. They are usually met in late March or early April. These birds prefer to live and nest in the vast steppes, fields and meadows. Some researchers consider a small reddish race from Kunashir and the south of Sakhalin to be a separate species – the Japanese lark. The size of the field lark and the horned lark are almost the same.