Alauda (genus)
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Skylark |
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Alauda | ||||||||||||
| Linnaeus , 1758 |
Alauda is a genus of larks. Among the bird species living today, 4 species belong to the genus. A German name for this genus has not yet been used, but they are sometimes referred to as skylarks. With the skylark belongs to this genus a species of bird that plays a special role in European culture. Because of her melodious singing, which she performs with great vehemence, especially when singing, poets like Shakespeare , Blake or Shelley and musicians like Ralph Vaughan Williams ( The Lark Ascending ) have dedicated their works.
features
The species of the genus Alauda are medium-sized larks. The skylark, which is probably the best known representative of the genus, reaches a body length of up to 18 centimeters and weighs up to 55 grams.
The species of the genus are characterized by a slender beak. The nostrils are covered. The tenth hand swing is greatly reduced and covered by the hand covers when the wings are folded. The run is strong and long. The claw of the rear toe is longer than this and almost straight.
Distribution area
The range of the genus is very large. It ranges from Africa through Europe to Asia. The skylark was also introduced on the Australian continent and New Zealand. The genus also includes the rasolerche ( Alauda razae ), which is endemic to the uninhabited Cape Verde island of Ilhéu Raso . Due to its tiny distribution area of only 7 km² in size, it is classified by the IUCN as critically endangered .
Reproduction
Like all larks, the Alauda species are ground breeders. The nest is usually cup-shaped.
species
The following recent species are included in the genus:
- Skylark ( Alauda arvensis )
- Little skylark ( Alauda gulgula )
- White winged lark ( Alauda leucoptera , synonym Melanocorypha leucoptera )
- Rasolerche ( Alauda razae )
literature
- Rudolf Pätzold: The larks of the world . Westarp Sciences, Magdeburg 1994, ISBN 3-89432-422-8 .
- Rudolf Pätzold: Compendium of Larks. All the larks on earth. Jan-Schimkat-Medienpublikation, Dresden 2003, ISBN 3-00-011219-7 .
Web links
Single receipts
- ↑ Percy Bysshe Shelley: Ode to a Skylark , accessed January 14, 2017
- ↑ Pätzold: The larks of the world . P. 207.
- ↑ Alauda razae in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016.1. Posted by: BirdLife International, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
- ↑ Nicators, reedling & larks "IOC World Bird List .