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
Other Birds
Puvel's Illadopsis
Illadopsis puveli
A mid-sized, chunky, drably colored babbler. Has a white throat and pale gray underparts that are usually washed with buff. Found in the understory of gallery forest and thick bush, usually in pairs. Shy and skulking, and rarely seen unless searched for. Similar to other illadopsises, and best located and distinguished by voice. Visually most similar to Rufous-winged Illadopsis, but found in different habitat, slightly larger, and usually buffy on the underparts. Paler below than Brown or Pale-breasted Illadopsises. Most often detected by distinctive voice: a series of several whistles in an up then down pattern that is weirdly reminiscent of trying to start a car, similar to the song of Rufous-winged Illadopsis, but higher-pitched and slightly more rambling and variable, with more notes in each phrase
Smoky-brown Woodpecker
Dryobates fumigatus
Very small, rather plain woodpecker of tropical lowlands and foothills. Found in forests, woodlands, and plantations. Forages at all levels, mainly on smaller branches and in vine tangles, not so often in open situations. Appearance distinctive: smoky brown overall with a pale grayish face. Male has red crown.
Silver-eared Laughingthrush
Trochalopteron melanostigma
Attractive medium-sized laughingthrush with a gray body, golden-yellow wings, dark face, and chestnut crown. Also note dark orangish “bib”, the color of which varies by range; northern birds have the brightest patches. Namesake silver ear patches are rather rounded and blend smoothly into the gray of the neck. Scratches around noisily in dense undergrowth, often singly, or in pairs or small flocks; may come out into the open in areas where routinely fed and habituated to people. Found in montane and hill forests, as well as forest edges with dense low growth. Gives a mellow “wowee-wowEER!”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.