Larks (Alaudidae) are ground-dwelling representatives of songbirds (order Passeriformes). Songbirds are the largest group of birds. They are characterized by a special organ in the throat—the syrinx, which allows them to sing, the singing we so admire. That larks live on the ground does not mean they do not fly, but that they nest on the ground. They hide the nest in a tuft of grass, and the young often leave the nest even before they fly. On the ground, the larks' protective coloration hides them; the predominant shades are brown tones mixed with dirty white. For the representatives of the larks, a markedly elongated spur on the hind toe is also characteristic, which can only be observed up close.
Many species of larks, while hovering high above the ground and as they descend toward the ground, chirp their song incessantly, with which they announce that they are the masters of that area and attract females to themselves. They are excellent singers, capable of imitating also the songs of other bird species.
