Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark
Eremopterix signatus
A typical sparrow-lark in which males are colorful and well-marked, and females rather drab. The male has variable black and chestnut markings on the face surrounding a bright white cheek that continues as a stripe down the side. Females are plain, but show a rufous eyebrow and a black mark on the belly. Found in dry and open habitats including desert, grassland, and savanna, usually in flocks. Details of the plumage always distinguish males, but females can be tricky; they are most similar to female Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark, but have very little overlap in range. The call, frequently given in flight, is a simple chirping.
Identification
The male chestnut-headed sparrow-lark has a black collar and bib, white cheeks and a white circular area on the nape of the crown, surrounded by a chestnut border. This distinguishes it from Fischer's sparrow-lark which lacks the white spot. The female has duller plumage.
Taxonomy
Two subspecies are recognized:
- Scientific name
- Eremopterix signatus
- Authority
- (Oustalet, 1886)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Eremopterix
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
This bird is usually found in pairs or small flocks of up to forty birds, often around water holes. It flies low to the ground and may sing in flight or when standing on bare ground.
Conservation
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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