An exaltation refers to a group or flock of larks. Larks are small- to medium-sized birds in the family Alaudidae. There are over 90 different species of larks that can be found throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Some of the more common lark species include the skylark, horned lark, and crested lark. Larks are known for their melodious singing and hovering flight patterns. When a group of larks takes flight together, it is referred to as an exaltation of larks. In this article, we will explore why a flock of larks is called an exaltation and examine some of the key characteristics and behaviors of these singing birds that travel together in groups.
Why Are Lark Groups Called Exaltations?
There are a few theories as to why a group of larks earned the poetic name exaltation:
Their Loud, Joyful Singing
One of the distinctive traits of larks is their melodious songs and calls. Larks have complex vocalizations and are able to produce cascades of liquid notes and trills. Their singing is lively and upbeat, reflecting the joyful nature of these birds. When a flock of larks sings together at dawn or dusk, it creates a boisterous chorus of ascending and descending chirps and whistles. This exuberant and uplifting chorus is thought to evoke feelings of elation and delight, hence the fitting term “exaltation.”
Their Hovering Flight Pattern
Another signature characteristic of larks is their buoyant flight style. Larks have the ability to hover and fly in place when singing their intricate songs. They can fan their wings yet stay suspended in one spot as they warble away. When a group of larks takes to the sky together, they create a magical floating formation as they all hover and flutter their wings while singing melodiously. This graceful, elevated flock circling in the air is believed to have inspired the term exaltation to describe a group of larks in flight.
Their Heaven-Pointing Posture
Sometimes when singing, larks will point their beaks straight up to the sky as they let out their cascading notes. They can continue singing uninterrupted in this perpendicular posture. The sight of a flock of larks singing joyfully while pointing up to the heavens gives the impression that they are rejoicing and glorifying the sky above. This “heaven-pointing” behavior and their uplifting songs are thought to be the basis for the term exaltation to describe a group of larks.
Key Characteristics of Larks
Now that we know why a flock of larks earned the name exaltation, let’s look at some of the main traits and behaviors that enable them to travel together in large singing flocks:
Small to Medium Size
Larks are small- to medium-sized songbirds. Their slender, petite bodies enable them to fly swiftly and maneuver tight formations in large numbers. The common skylark, for example, is about 6-7 inches in length and weighs just over 1 ounce. The larger horned lark can reach lengths of 7-8 inches and weigh up to 1.5 ounces. Their modest sizes allow flocks of 20 or more larks to fly cohesively when migrating or evading predators.
Flocking Behavior
Larks are highly social and naturally gather in flocks called exaltations. They forage together in open fields during the day and gather in large flocks at dusk to sleep in dense shrubs or grass. Some species flock together in huge numbers during seasonal migrations, like the hundreds of thousands of horned larks that congregate during migrations across North America. Lark flocks communicate through constant contact calls to coordinate their movements and stay safely together.
Wide-Ranging Flight
Larks are strong fliers capable of covering great distances. Some species migrate thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds. The horned lark has one of the largest breeding distributions of any North American bird. They can be found coast to coast and nest as far north as the Arctic tundra. Larks are aerial masters designed for lengthy flights, with long pointed wings, short tails, and tapered bodies. Their muscular wing flight allows them to ride air currents over vast terrain.
Hovering Ability
One of the lark’s most impressive flight capabilities is hovering. They can fan and angle their wings in a way that suspends their body motionlessly in the air. Larks often hover at heights around 30-100 feet as they sing exuberantly. Their ability to remain still in air allows adjacent birds in a flock to stay in tight hovering formations.
Melodious Songs
Larks are renowned for their diverse and intricate songs. Males sing while in flight and often when hovering high overhead. Their elaborate vocalizations include whistles, trills, warbles, chirps, and bell-like notes. Lark flocks sing together to form a pleasing chorus. Their melodious voices inspired the poetic term exaltation to describe their spirited groups.
Notable Lark Species
With over 90 species spanning the globe, larks display an impressive diversity. Here are 5 of the most widespread and recognizable lark species:
Eurasian Skylark
- Known for its dynamic aerial displays and majestic song
- Most widespread and well-studied skylark species
- Found across Europe and Asia in open grasslands
- Famed as a national symbol of joy and optimism in literature and music
Horned Lark
- Recognizable by feather tufts or “horns” on its head
- Found across North America in wide-open spaces
- Hardy bird that thrives in high alpine areas and the Arctic tundra
- Migrates in enormous flocks across continents
Crested Lark
- Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa’s Mediterranean region
- Identified by a punk-rock style crest of feathers on its head
- Inhabits dry grasslands, agricultural areas, and desert steppes
- Sings exuberantly while performing ascents and dives on fluttering wings
Wood Lark
- One of the most prized songbird species native to Europe
- Prefers nesting and foraging in forest clearings and woodland edges
- Known for a beautiful fluty song often sung in a spiraling ascent
- Widespread but declining throughout its European breeding range
Calandra Lark
- A stocky, large-billed lark found in northern Africa, southeastern Europe, and Asia
- A ground nester that thrives in open cultivated lands
- Identified by a distinct dark breast stripe
- Forms enormous flocks in winter that can number over 1,000 birds
Where to Spot an Exaltation of Larks
Larks live and breed in a variety of open habitats across hemispheres. Here are some prime spots for witnessing an exaltation of larks:
Large Grasslands
Grasslands with mixed heights of vegetation offer ideal nesting, roosting, and foraging grounds for larks. The Eurasian skylark favors nesting in crops and grassy meadows. Many horned larks breed in prairie grasslands across central North America. Patagonia’s steppes host breeding populations of Calandra larks.
Coastal Dunes and Heaths
Some larks occupy open sandy areas along coasts. Shore larks inhabit windswept coastal dunes and heaths around the northern Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Watch for flocks darting over low shrubs and grasseshugging dunes.
Alpine Tundra
The horned lark inhabits Arctic and alpine tundra habitats up to 5,700 meters in elevation. This rugged nester can thrive in sparse vegetation above treeline. Listen for itscalls and songs near rocky ridges and meadows.
Agricultural Lands
Many species frequent and nest in agricultural areas. Eurasian skylarks and crested larksfavor cereal grain fields interspersed with patches of weeds and fallow land for foraging. Calandra larks gather by the thousands in croplands during winter months.
Deserts
Desert larks like the hoopoe lark inhabit arid open deserts across Africa and the Middle East. These sparsely vegetated landscapes offer few perching spots, but plenty of ground for running and nesting. Listen for desert lark songs carrying on the wind.
Threats Facing Lark Populations
Though widespread, many lark species are in decline and face a variety of threats:
Habitat Loss
Larks are severely impacted by habitat loss, especially the destruction of grasslands, coastal habitats, and tundra. Draining wetlands, urban sprawl, and agricultural intensification deplete vital breeding areas.
Climate Change
Climate change threatens alpine and tundra nesters like horned larks by reducing snow cover and shrinking habitats. Migratory larks must adapt to shifting conditions and food sources.
Hunting
Some Mediterranean species are traditionally hunted as food items, putting pressure on populations. The Ortolan bunting has declined critically from trapping for food.
Collisions
Night collisions with buildings and vehicles are significant hazards, especially during migrations. Bright city lights can disorient and distract night-traveling flocks.
Pesticides
Chemical use in farming impacts reproductive success and poisoning. Insect population declines may also limit food resources.
Conservation Efforts
Given threats to lark populations worldwide, conservation actions are critical:
Habitat Protection
Preserving grasslands, coastal zones, and tundra through parks, reserves, and land trusts provides essential habitat. Managing livestock grazing maintains vegetation structure.
Sustainable Agriculture
Farming practices like low-till methods, cover crops, and reduced chemical use benefit larks nestingin agricultural lands. Buffer strips along crop edges offer additional habitat.
Collision Reduction
Dimming lights during migrations, installing warning systems, and placing anti-collision markers on buildings/towers can reduce dangerous collisions.
Hunting Regulations
Banning or restricting the trapping and hunting of threatened species allows populations to recover to sustainable levels. Strict enforcement is key.
Public Outreach
Education programs promoting lark conservation foster public appreciation and support for protecting these joyful songbird flocks.
Conclusion
An exaltation is the elegant term used to describe a flock of larks taking flight together. Larks are delightful songbirds best known for their melodious voices and hovering flight displays. When a group of larks sings in unison or circles buoyantly overhead, it evokes a sense of elation, hence the fitting description of an exaltation. However, many lark species now face worrying declines from threats like habitat loss and climate change. Protecting vital open habitats and promoting sustainable practices will be key to conserving populations of these captivating birds that fill our skies with inspiration and song. The preservation of lark species worldwide ensures we continue to experience the glorious spectacle of an exaltation of larks.
