In North America there are 21 subspecies of Horned Lark all of which seem to display black bib, cheek, and forehead, but not all of which have the black “horns”. Some of these subspecies also present throats that are more white than yellow.

Though a possible year round resident in parts of southern lower Michigan, Horned Larks tend to disappear from the landscape of Leelanau County by mid-November and reappear in mid-February.

The breeding range of this species extends from northern South America to the Arctic tundra. Their breeding habitat is most often described as sparsely vegetated, open country, tundra, dunes, croplands, grasslands, and barren fields.

Males begin establishing territories in February with courtship occurring in March. Courtship includes males strutting before the female with erect horns and drooping wings as well as performing impressive song flights to heights of 800 feet, then plummeting ground-ward with wings folded.

The song of Horned Larks during flight display tends to be more extended. On the ground, however, it is brief, sounding somewhat disjointed and metallic. It might be likened unto the sound of brads being dropped into a glass jar.

Horned Larks are ground nesters. Though males select the territory, females select the nest site. Fledglings from the first nest can be seen as early as April. This early nesting increases the likelihood of a second brood. Though some speculate that early nesting increases survival rate of the young of this species, since most breeding count activities do not begin until June, it also decreases the accuracy of breeding records.

In autumn, juvenile Horned Larks form post breeding flocks. In fall and winter, Horned Larks have been observed in huge flocks, occasionally with Snow buntings.