This bird is a resident, or partial migrant, throughout the whole of Southern Europe, but it has been known to occur in Northern Germany, Belgium, and the north of France. In Great Britain about half-a-dozen examples have been taken at various times in the south and east.

Very similar in appearance to other Larks, but, as its name indicates, the hind claw is short. The under parts are white and unspotted except for a few streaks on the sides of the neck. Length 5·5 in.; wing 3·4 in.