- Author
- Anderson, Hannah
- Publication Year
- 2011
- Species
- Streaked horned lark
- Region
- Lower Columbia
- Habitat
- Wet Prairie
- Topic
- Rare species recovery, Restoration & Management
The streaked horned lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata), a subspecies of the horned lark, is considered rare in every region of its historic range (Figure 1). The species is red-listed in British Columbia where it is thought to be extirpated, Washington State lists the species as endangered and it is considered a sensitive species in Oregon. The streaked horned lark (lark or STHL) is a Federal Candidate for listing under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), currently under status review. Genetic data indicate the subspecies is genetically unique, isolated, and has little genetic diversity (Drovetski et. al. 2005). Recent breeding population estimates suggest there are 1170-1610 birds in existence (Altman 2011). The species occurs on large treeless expanses with short and sparse vegetation. These birds use a variety of habitat types and sites that meet those criteria, including coastal sites and lowland prairie in Washington, agricultural land in Oregon, and airports throughout their current range.