What is a lark? In Romeo and Juliet Act 3, Scene 5, Juliet tries to convince Romeo that the birdcall he hears is the nightingale. However, when Romeo discovers that the song is that of the lark, he realizes that he is in danger, for the lark is a morning bird, indicative of a new day dawning.
Did you know that birds have the same brain areas and hormones as humans, allowing them the ability to mourn? Due to its constant singing, however, the lark is considered a happy little creature; we’ve all heard the phrase, “Happy as a Lark.” But we should not presume the lark always to be happy. Changed postures, drooping and listless behaviors in birds often indicate grief. During such times, when they sing, they do not sing joyously but in sadness. And yet, it continues to fly, ignoring all pain, and with no one to lend it comfort or even to suspect its trauma, misconstruing its song with happiness.