A Charming and Characteristic Bird
The Cyprus Crested Lark Tsouroullos bird, stands as one of the island's most charming and characteristic birds. This small, ground-dwelling songbird greets each day with its sweet song and cuts a distinctive figure with its pointed head feathers. As an endemic subspecies, it holds a special place in Cyprus's natural heritage.
A Bird with a Distinctive Crest
You can easily identify the Tsouroullos by the prominent, spiky crest on its head. Unlike some birds that only raise their crests when alarmed, this lark often keeps its crest fully or half-raised, making it a standout feature even from a distance. Its plumage blends shades of grey-brown with dark streaks, providing perfect camouflage in its dusty environment. A strong, slightly curved beak helps it probe the soil for food, while an unusually long hind claw gives it stability as it walks or runs on the ground. The bird measures about 17-19 cm in length.
Where to Find This Resident Lark
The Tsouroullos is a permanent resident of Cyprus, meaning you can spot it all year round. It thrives in lowland and semi-mountainous areas across the entire island. Look for it in open habitats such as:
Farmland and cultivated fields.
Rocky or sandy hillsides and uncultivated land.
Villages, towns, and even city parking lots.
This ground-dwelling bird prefers to walk or run while foraging, and you will often see it perched on a low rock or bush, delivering its liquid, warbling song.
The Secrets of Its Life Cycle
The Tsouroullos builds its nest in a small hollow on the ground, skilfully concealing it at the base of a grass tussock or small shrub. The female lays 3-7 eggs, which are pale grey with brown speckles. She incubates them for about 12-14 days. Both parents share the duty of feeding the chicks, primarily with protein-rich insects and caterpillars. The young chicks leave the nest surprisingly early, at around one week old, hiding in nearby vegetation for protection. They take their first flight at about 15-16 days old.
A Varied Diet for an Active Bird
The Cyprus Crested Lark Tsouroullos bird maintains an omnivorous diet. It primarily feeds on seeds and grains, including cereals like wheat and barley. During the breeding season, it supplements its diet with plenty of insects, worms, and small invertebrates to feed its growing young. You can watch it digging in the soil with its strong beak, searching for its next meal.
Facing Modern Threats
Sadly, this resilient little bird faces significant challenges. Its population has declined dramatically in recent years. Modern agricultural practices pose the greatest threat:
Habitat destruction: Agricultural machinery destroys the nests and feeding grounds in fields.
Pesticides: The widespread use of chemicals eliminates the insects that the birds rely on for food.
Nest disturbance: Free-ranging grazing animals can trample nests, and nestlings fall prey to predators like cats, foxes, and snakes.
Protecting the remaining natural habitats and promoting wildlife-friendly farming practices are crucial steps to ensure the Tsouroullos continues to grace the Cypriot countryside with its presence and song.
