Horsfield's Bush Lark

The Singing Bush Lark, also known as Horsfield's Bush Lark (Mirafra javanica), is a small, robust bird with a large head and a short, sparrow-like bill. It sports a modest crest, visible only when raised. The plumage is generally brown, reddish, or sandy with darker streaks, and the underparts are pale. Adults have near-black upper parts with buff to russet streaking, while juveniles display a scaled appearance due to white fringes on the feathers. The wings are short and rounded, featuring a distinctive rufous panel, and the tail is brown with a pale underside.

Identification Tips

The Singing Bush Lark can be identified by its thickset build, large head, and short bill. It has a buff eyebrow and mottled or streaked breast. The wings, though short, have a noticeable rufous panel, and the tail is white-sided but much shorter than that of similar species. When flushed, it emits a slurred chirrup and displays a unique flight pattern with jerky wing beats.

Habitat

This species thrives in grasslands, including chenopod shrublands, coastal heathlands, dunes, mudflats, and modified open habitats such as crop and pastureland. It is less common in treed habitats and is occasionally found in urban areas like playing fields and golf courses.

Distribution

The Singing Bush Lark has a vast range, from Southeast Asia through most of Australia. It is a summer migrant to southeastern Australia and a vagrant to Tasmania.

Behaviour

The Singing Bush Lark is known for its territorial defense during the breeding season. It is a ground-dwelling bird that forages alone or in small groups, primarily eating grass seeds and insects.

Song & Calls

The melodious song of the Singing Bush Lark is a highlight, often including mimicry of other bird species. It sings from the ground, low perches, or during high hovering flights over its territory.

Breeding

Breeding occurs following significant rainfall, with both parents involved in incubating and feeding the young. Nest success can be affected by predation, and the young are dependent on their parents for about a month post-fledging.

Similar Species

The Singing Bush Lark is often mistaken for the Australian Pipit or a juvenile Eurasian Skylark. However, it lacks the white trailing edge on the wings of the skylark and has a shorter tail. Its rufous wing panels are a distinguishing feature, although they can fade to a buffish tone.

Diet and Feeding

The Singing Bush Lark is an omnivorous forager, consuming mainly grass seeds and invertebrates. It gleans and probes the ground for food, using its stout bill to crush seeds.

Conservation status

The Singing Bush Lark is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population across its broad range.