Eremophila alpestris, commonly known as the horned lark, has a broad geographical distribution. It is native to North America, parts of Europe, and Asia. In North America, it is found throughout Canada, the United States (primarily in open lands), and into parts of Central America. In Europe and Asia, its range extends across the tundra belt and temperate regions, reaching as far as the Russian Far East.

The horned lark typically inhabits open landscapes with sparse vegetation. It is found in environments such as grasslands, prairies, agricultural fields, deserts, and tundra regions. These areas are characterized by minimal tree cover and wide-open spaces, which facilitate its ground-feeding behavior.

Eremophila alpestris occupies an ecological niche that includes feeding primarily on seeds and insects, which are abundant in its natural habitats. The species is well-adapted to thrive in harsh climates, from cold tundra zones to hot desert climates, showing significant variation in plumage and size due to regional adaptations.