Alauda or Galerida - Serra da Estrela?

Hi I've just come back from Serra da Estrela and by the tower I saw either Alauda arvensis or Galerida cristata or Galerida theklae. I think the bird was Alauda arvensis but at nearly 2,000 metres I was expecting the bird to be Galerida theklae. However, it didn't seem to be heavily streaked enough on the breast for Galerida theklae.

Have other people seen Alauda arvensis at this height by the tower?

I have a picture and will post when I've sorted them out.

Thanks.

Alauda arvensis can occur in the tower.

Hi Steve,he

Galerida theklae is not a mountain bird. Although it appreciates rocky hillsides, it does not normally occur above 800m.

Galerida cristata is a bird of lowland and does not occur in the mountains either.

Skylark, on the other hand, is very common in most Portuguese serras and can frequently be seen around Torre at serra da Estrela.

Best regards,
Gonçalo

Thanks both. I am happy the bird was a Skylark, so won't post a picture. It's a shame I would have preferred it to be Thekla .

I had a brilliant two days birding in Serra da Estrella. Four new European species for me; Elanus caeruleus, Gyps fulvus, Monticola solitarius, and Petronia petronia plus loads of good birds!

Hi Steve,

To find Thekla Lark you'd better try the arid lands in eastern Portugal, such as the International Tagus or the inner Alentejo.

Best wishes,
Gonçalo