Eurasian skylark

The Eurasian skylark (Alauda arvensis) is a member of the Alaudidae family within the order Passeriformes. While often appreciated for its song, in an agricultural context, it is recognized as a pest capable of causing significant damage to emerging seedlings, particularly in open field environments where intensive cultivation takes place.

The primary targets for the skylark are the young seedlings of cereal crops, including wheat, barley, and rye. By pulling out sprouting seeds and consuming tender green shoots, these birds can significantly decrease plant stand density. Besides cereals, they have been observed damaging crops like sugar beet and various legumes during the early stages of growth.

The biological cycle of the skylark involves nesting on the ground within open fields. As spring arrives, the birds establish their breeding territories, which often coincide with the planting season. During the emergence of crops, adult skylarks frequently forage on these fields, causing damage at a time when the plants are most vulnerable to mechanical injury and loss of vegetative tissue.

The damage caused by skylarks is typically localized, appearing as bare patches or thinning in the rows of crops. The birds utilize their beaks to pull out seedlings, often leaving behind uprooted plants or completely bare soil. If left unchecked, these localized losses can accumulate across large fields, impacting the overall yield potential and uniformity of the crop stand.

To effectively manage the impact of skylarks, farmers implement various protective measures:

• deployment of bioacoustic devices emitting distress calls of predators;
• installation of visual deterrents like holographic tapes or predator decoys;
• seed treatments with repellents to reduce palatability;
• use of precision seeding to ensure robust establishment despite partial loss.