Bengal Bush Lark

The Bengal bush lark, known scientifically as Mirafra assamica, is a modestly sized bird with a robust and stout bill, measuring approximately 15 centimeters in length. Its upper parts are adorned with dark streaks on a grey background, while its underparts are a soft buff tone, featuring spots on the breast and behind the eye. A distinctive rufous hue graces its wings, setting it apart from other lark species.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Bengal bush lark, look for its short tail and the rufous coloration of its wings. The spotting behind the eye and on the breast are also key characteristics to observe. Its stout bill is another distinguishing feature.

Habitat

This lark favors dry, open, and stony landscapes, often dotted with sparse shrubbery. It is also commonly found in cultivated areas, adapting well to agricultural environments.

Distribution

The Bengal bush lark is a resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Its range includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Nepal, with an estimated global extent of occurrence between 100,000 and 1,000,000 square kilometers.

Behaviour

On the ground is where the Bengal bush lark chooses to construct its nest, laying a clutch of three to four speckled eggs. Its diet primarily consists of seeds, but during the breeding season, it shows a marked preference for insects.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Bengal bush lark includes a series of thin disyllabic notes, which are typically delivered during a song-flight. This repetitive and melodic calling serves as a means of communication and territorial display.

Similar Species

Previously, the Bengal bush lark was considered to include several races, such as the Bengal race assamica and the Madras race affinis. However, these have been split based on song and display characteristics into separate species, namely the Jerdon's bush lark (Mirafra affinis) and the Bengal bush lark in the strict sense. The Burmese bush lark was also once regarded as a subspecies but is now recognized as a distinct species.

Diet and Feeding

The Bengal bush lark's diet is composed of seeds throughout the year, with a greater emphasis on insects during the breeding season to meet the higher energy demands.

Conservation Status

The Bengal bush lark is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it currently does not face any significant threats to its population levels.