Eurasian Skylark

The introduced Eurasian skylark, or kairaka, is usually detected by the male’s prolonged song delivered high above open ground. It is streaked brown with an off-white belly, a small raiseable crest and white outer tail feathers; unlike the New Zealand pipit it lacks a strong eyebrow and does not habitually wag its tail.

It is widespread in open habitats across New Zealand but avoids dense forest and the highest Southern Alps. Males sing during hovering display flights 30–100 m above the ground; birds feed on seeds and invertebrates.

Listen above farmland, dune fields and tussock country, especially during the breeding season.