Dieta de la Alondra Cornuda (Eremophila alpestris peregrina) en la Represa de la Copa, Boyacá, Colombia

The only member of the Alaudidae family that is found in the Neotropics is the Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris peregrina). This subspecies is endemic to the highland plateau between Boyacá and Cundinamarca in central Colombia, and is currently considered Endangered. For seven consecutive months, we surveyed the diet of the Homed Lark at La Copa dam. The bulk of the diet was made up of arthropods like Arachnida, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera, with beetles being the most common and important prey item. The diet of the Homed Lark varied seasonally in terms of what proportion was made up of seeds versus arthropods. The latter were always more important in the diet, probably due to the low abundance of seed and plant material in the area, and the high abundance of arthropods throughout the year. The consumption of seeds was highest during the periods of E. a. peregrina reproductive activity in the area. Dietary information for species in any category of threat will allow us to develop more efficient management plans of viable populations.