Calandrella cinerea

The Greater Short-toed Lark is classified as Vulnerable (VU) because of the continued decrease in its populations, estimated at more than 30% over 10 years. In the previous edition of the Red Book (2002), it was classified as Data Deficient (DD). The change in the status of the species reflects the decline in its population, as well as an improvement in the quality of data and assessment methods.

Presence In Israel	Summer
Breeding In Israel	Breeder
Migration Types	Long Range
Zoographical Zones	Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian
Landscape Types	Plains & Valleys, Wide Wadis
Vegetation Types	Cropland, Herbaceous
Vegetation Densities	Low
Nest Locations	Ground
Diet Types	Herbivore
Foraging Grounds	Ground
Body Sizes	Small (up to 500g)
Threat Factors	Habitat destruction in migration and wintering areas, Habitat loss and fragmentation, Nest destruction by agricultural activity, Tree planting

The Greater Short-toed Lark is a relatively small, pale lark with delicate streaking, which frequently forms flocks. Its plumage is relatively variable – some individuals are greyish-sandy, while others have a richer rustier hue. It has a relatively thick, but pointed bill and a delicate face pattern. Occasionally a dark patch appears on the sides of the breast. Flight call is hoarse and intermittent, frequently discloses its presence.

The Greater Short-toed Lark is a common passage migrant throughout Israel in spring and autumn. Breeds locally and in low densities in the Golan Heights, Eastern Galilee, on Mt. Gilboa and in the Jordan Valley, as well as in the Northern and Central Negev. The number of breeding pairs and their distribution varies greatly from year to year.

The Greater Short-toed Lark nests in open dry fields, often at the edges of cultivated fields as well as in desert plains with low vegetation.

No specific conservation measures have been taken for this species to date.

The Greater Short-toed Lark is a nomadic species that breeds in “green patches” in the Negev and at the edges of cultivated fields with suitable cultivation regimes. Detailed surveys are necessary for a better understanding of the factors limiting the population and suggesting ways of preserving the species.

• פז, ע. 1986. עופות. מתוך אלון, ע. (עורך), החי והצומח של ארץ ישראל. כרך 6. הוצאת משרד הביטחון, ישראל.
• פרלמן, י., אלתרמן, ש. וגרניט, ב. 2011. סקר עופות דוגרים בנחלים הפנימיים, אביב 2011. דו"ח מרכז הצפרות של החברה להגנת הטבע.

• Shirihai, H., 1996. The Birds of Israel. Academic Press, London.
• Symes, A. 2013. Species generation lengths. Unpublished, BirdLife International.
• Species page at Birdlife International