Tibetan Lark
Melanocorypha maxima
Huge bulky lark with a sharp, slightly decurved bill. Pale brown above and off-white below, with a pale brow stripe, distinct brownish ear patch, and a black mark on the neck near the shoulder. Has a less contrasting head pattern than Calandra Lark and Bimaculated Lark, but is overall more strongly patterned than female Black Lark. Distinctively blade-like bill also distinguishes this species from the former two. In flight, snowy white tail edges and back wing edges are eye-catchingly prominent; Calandra Lark has minimal white on the tail tips, and Bimaculated Lark lacks white on either wings or tail. Found in high plateau regions, where it prefers rather wet areas, often on the margins of lakes, marshes, and flooded pastures. Song, given in flight, includes rolling warbles and buzzy grating notes. Calls resemble harsh, buzzy phrases from song.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Melanocorypha maxima
- Authority
- Blyth, 1867
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Melanocorypha
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Striped Pipit
Anthus lineiventris
Large pipit with a dark brown back and heavily marked underparts, with streaks all the way down to the belly. The feathers on the front of the wing have yellow-green edges, which is distinctive, though difficult to see. Found on rocky slopes within woodland. The song is loud and pretty: a rollicking series of repeated notes. Separated from other pipits by the heavily and completely striped underparts.
Black Partridge
Melanoperdix niger
Infrequently-encountered small gamebird. Male is uniquely glossy-black all over, while the female is predominantly chestnut-brown with a pale lower belly. Both sexes have an odd, heavy bill somewhat reminiscent of a finch or parrot. Inhabits lowland and foothill forest, often favoring wetter areas. Forages on the ground, singly or in pairs. Generally quiet.
Unicolored Blackbird
Agelasticus cyanopus
Medium-sized blackbird with a long, thin bill that is found in marshes and reedbeds. Males are all black, whereas females are highly variable across their range. Northern females from Amapá, Pará, Maranhão, and French Guiana are mostly black with an olive belly. Those from southeast Brazil are dark brownish olive above and dark yellow below. Those from central-southern South America are brown above with black streaks, a faint yellow eyebrow, and yellow underparts. The song is a rattle followed by a series of trills.
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