Malabar Lark
Galerida malabarica
A rusty-brown bird with very heavily streaked upperparts. It has a short crest, paler underparts, and strong streaks that run down the breast. Similar to Crested Lark, but the Malabar Lark is smaller, has a shorter and straighter bill, and is generally darker. Similar to Tawny Lark as well, but slightly larger, with a slimmer bill, and more heavily marked. Inhabits grassy areas, rocky areas, and fields. Forages lazily, and often flocks outside the breeding season. Calls and songs consist of pleasant series of variable short whistles.
Identification
This is a smallish lark, slightly smaller than the Eurasian skylark. It has a long spiky erectile crest. It is greyer than the skylark, and lacks the white wing and tail edges of that species, which is a winter visitor to India.<p>It is very similar to the crested lark, which breeds in northern India. The Malabar lark is smaller and dark-streaked reddish brown in plumage, whereas the crested lark is grey. The belly is white. The sexes are similar.<p>Sykes's lark is another Indian relative that also has reddish-brown plumage, but is smaller, shorter-billed, with a stiff upright crest and has plain rufous underparts.
Taxonomy
Originally, the Malabar lark was classified in the genus Alauda before being moved to its present genus. Also, some authorities have considered the Thekla lark to be a subspecies of the Malabar lark.
- Scientific name
- Galerida malabarica
- Authority
- (Scopoli, 1786)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Galerida
Range and habitat
The Malabar lark is found in western India. It is a common bird of open country, cultivation and scrub, often at some altitude.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The Malabar lark is a sedentary breeding bird that nests on the ground, laying two or three eggs. Its food is seeds and insects, the latter especially in the breeding season.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Conspicuous large white bird with a long, spoon-shaped bill, black facial skin, legs. Breeding adult develops long white plumes on the back of head. Often feeds in shallow wetlands, either singly or in small flocks. Submerges bill and makes a sweeping motion to feed.
Hartert's Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus goodsoni
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