The song of the skylark - as with other birds - serves different purposes and at different times of year. Song is given principally by the male and is used as a signal to attract a mate; to warn potential rivals of the presence of an occupied territory and also as a signal to deter predators.

Why do skylarks sing in flight?

The function of the song at this time of year is to attract a mate, so singing in the dark conveys the same signal to the female as singing during the day. It is the length and duration of these song-flights which attracts the female.

Can skylarks hover?

Male skylarks can be spotted rising almost vertically from farmland, grassland, saltmarshes and moorland. They hover effortlessly, singing from a great height, before parachuting back down to earth.