Larks (Alaudidae) are 98 species of passerine birds that occur in the Old World, and in northern and eastern Australia; only one, the Horned Lark, has spread to North America.

Habitats vary widely, but many species live in dry regions. They have more elaborate calls than most birds, and often extravagant songs given in display flight. These melodious sounds (to human ears), combined with a willingness to expand into anthropogenic habitats — as long as these are not too intensively managed — have ensured larks a prominent place in literature and music, especially the Skylark in northern Europe and the Crested Lark and Calandra Lark in southern Europe.

Like many ground birds, most lark species have long hind claws, which are thought to provide stability while standing. Most have streaked brown plumage, some boldly marked with black or white. Their dull appearance camouflages them on the ground, especially when on the nest. They feed on insects and seeds; though adults of most species eat seeds primarily.

Larks have historically been considered wholesome, delicate, and light game. They can be used in a number of delectable dishes, for example, they can be stewed, broiled, or used as filling in a meat pie. Lark's tongues were particularly highly valued. In modern times, shrinking habitats made lark meat rare and hard to come by, though it can still be found in restaurants in Italy and elsewhere in Southern Europe. Following an 1876 ban on lark hunting in Leipzig, which was known for its lark dishes, bakers invented the Leipziger Lerche, a shortcrust pastry dish filled with either marzipan, or crushed almonds, nuts and strawberry jam.