Across their range, Horned Larks (Eremophila alpestris) consistently construct their nests adjacent to and north of a conspicuous object such as a tuft of grass, shrub, or rock. We studied the relative importance of a northern nest orientation to nest microclimate in Horned Larks breeding in northeastern California. Nests showed a significant northern bias in orientation angle and were 49% shaded in the early afternoon, the hottest part of the day. Artificial nests of eastern, western, and southern orientations exhibited little to no shade during this time. A northern nest orientation also allowed nests to face prevailing winds during the day and avoid them in the evening. The Horned Larks’ preference for a northern nest orientation offers multiple advantages for regulation of nest microclimate.
Cascadia Prairie Oak Partnership
Providing coordination for the technical prairie community in the Willamette Valley, Puget Trough, Georgia Basin (WPG) ecoregion and beyond.