Alauda is a genus of lark with four species found across much of Europe and Asia.
They live in open habitats. Their characteristic songs are delivered in flight. They are fairly undistinguished: streaked brown above and pale below, with a short, blunt, erectile crest. In flight, they display a short tail and short broad wings. The tail and the rear edge of the wings are edged with white. Their diet consists of seeds, supplemented with insects in the breeding season.
The first three photos were taken on the slopes of Mauna Kea on the Big Island. Remaining photos were taken in New Zealand.