Dutch Birding volume 28 (2006) no 4

Calandra Lark at Eemshaven in May 2005

On 27 May 2005, a Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra was present for less than 1.5 h at Eemshaven, Groningen, the Netherlands; it was seen by c 15 birders and constituted the third record for the Netherlands, after individuals on 10 October 1980 (trapped) and 16 May 1988. Identification was based on large size (larger than Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis), relatively large bill, dark breast-patches and dark underwing with white trailing edge. The most likely confusion species, Bimaculated Lark M bimaculata has a pale underwing without white trailing edge and also shows differences in bill shape, shape of the breast markings and tail pattern.

Roelf Hovinga, H A Lorentzstraat 116, 1782 JM Den Helder, Nederland
(roelf_hovingahotmail.com)