Rare crested lark nests in Finland for the first time
A crested lark (Galerida cristata) has nested in Finland for the first time, marking a significant event for birdwatchers and conservationists. The discovery was made in Muhos, where an American nature tourist photographed the species over the weekend. The images were later identified as a crested lark, a bird recorded in Finland only about a hundred times (Yle).
A few days after the initial sighting, birdwatchers visiting the site found two adult crested larks and their three chicks, with the parents actively feeding their young. While the species has been observed in Finland before—including earlier this year in Utsjoki and Espoo—this is the first confirmed nesting (Ilta-Sanomat).
The crested lark has declined across Europe, disappearing from breeding populations in Estonia and Sweden. The nearest known nesting sites are now in Latvia and Denmark. According to Jukka Hintikka, communications specialist at BirdLife Finland, the species’ decline is likely linked to changes in agricultural practices (Yle).
The crested lark is slightly larger than Finland’s native lark species, with a longer, more curved beak and a significantly taller crest. Its calls also differ from those of domestic larks (Ilta-Sanomat). While the species is not particularly wary of humans, BirdLife Finland advises observers to maintain a respectful distance, especially during the nesting season (Yle).