What they like

Open country. Space. Short, sparse vegetation with bare patches in between. Think: extensively managed grassland, arable fields with herb margins, dunes, heath. You rarely see it in a garden or park, but you can help: create a rough, flower-rich strip, mow in stages and leave some bare ground here and there. Sow/plant native species like poppy, cornflower, chamomile, ribwort plantain and yarrow.

Ecological importance

Feeds mainly on insects and larvae during the breeding season, later also on seeds. That makes it a living yardstick: many skylarks means lots of insect life. It is also prey for, among others, the goshawk, sparrowhawk and fox — part of a functioning landscape.

When in the Netherlands

Mostly from March to October. Some migrate away, some overwinter. Song peaks in spring: up high into the air, and it just keeps going.

Status

Breeding bird that has declined sharply. Vulnerable because of monotonous farming, early and frequent mowing, and fewer insects. Make the land messy again. That helps.