The woodlark has the most beautiful voice, from which it got its interesting Latin name. It is a short distance migratory bird, often returning to its breeding place before the snow melts, immediately marking the borders of its future nesting place by singing. In summer the woodlark feeds exclusively on insects, while in winter mainly weed seeds.
Habitat, breeding:
Woodlark is distributed throughout Europe. In Hungary they breed in open hilly territories with forest patches, scrublands, orchards or near the pine-forests of the Great Plain.
The Woodlark is quite loyal to the territory, nesting very near to previous year’s spot. They dig the place of their nest into the ground with their beak, covering it with thin plant parts. The female annualy lays twice or three times 3-6 eggs, meanwhile the male sings nearby.
The breeding population of the Woodlark in Hungary is estimated at 3800-7000 breeding pairs (2000-2012) and it shows moderate decrease.
Their presence in Hungary is from March to October but they can also overwinter in some cases.