Any one numerous species of singing birds of the genus Alauda
   and allied genera (family Alaudidae). They mostly belong to Europe,
   Asia, and Northern Africa. In America they are represented by the shore
   larks, or horned by the shore larks, or horned larks, of the genus
   Otocoris. The true larks have holaspidean tarsi, very long hind claws,
   and usually, dull, sandy brown colors.