Asian Short-toed Lark
Alaudala cheleensis
A nondescript-looking small songbird of arid open areas. Adult brownish above, white below; juvenile similar but has neat white edging to its dark feathers. Crestless, stout-billed appearance distinguishes this species from other larks in the region. The slightly larger Greater Short-toed Lark is similar but has a small black neck stripe, weaker breast streaking, and is paler overall, with a lighter face and belly.
Taxonomy
Formerly or presently, some authorities have considered the Asian short-toed lark to belong to the genus Calandrella or to be a subspecies of the lesser short-toed lark. Alternate names for the Asian short-toed lark include the Asiatic short-toed lark, eastern short-toed lark (a name also used by the steppe greater short-toed lark), grey short-toed lark, Mongolian short-toed lark (not to be confused with the species of the same name, Calandrella dukhunensis), salined lark and salt-marsh lark.<p>A molecular phylogenetic study published in 2020 compared the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA from the sand, Asian short-toed, and Mediterranean short-toed larks. The study analysed samples from 130 individuals that represented 16 of the 18 recognised subspecies. The resulting phylogenetic tree indicated that neither the Asian short-toed lark, nor the lesser short-toed lark as currently defined are monophyletic. Most of the subspecies were also found to be non-monophyletic. The authors refrained from proposing a revised taxonomy until additional studies had been completed comparing the vocalizations, sexual behaviour and ecology.<p>Six subspecies are recognized:
- Scientific name
- Alaudala cheleensis
- Authority
- Swinhoe, 1871
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Alaudala
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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