The Crested Lark, photographed here in Lesvos, Greece, is found in most countries of continental Europe except Scandinavia. It is also found in North Africa, Central Asia as far as eastern India and China and most of the Middle East.

Its favoured habitat is open, dry and relatively flat country with low, sparse vegetation. It doesn't like to feel hemmed in and so is also attracted to areas such as playing fields, railway yards and even harbours provided there are grass seeds available.

Although it eats mainly seeds, it also eats invertebrates such as beetles.

It is marginally larger than Skylark, looks greyer and has a longer crest which is visible at the rear of the head even when folded It has a long, pointed bill with a straight lower edge to the mandible.