Indian Bush Lark

The Indian bush lark, known scientifically as Mirafra erythroptera, is a modestly adorned species with a pale plumage that is intricately streaked. It boasts a distinctive cheek patch, framed by a white supercilium and post-auricular border, and its underparts are pale with pronounced spots on the breast. The bird's upper parts are similarly streaked, and its wing coverts, tertials, and central tail feathers exhibit pale centers. The primary coverts are uniformly brown, but it is the rufous wing bars that are truly diagnostic of this species.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Indian bush lark, one should note its shorter bill and legs, as well as its longer tail, which distinguish it from Jerdon's bush lark. The rufous wing bars are key to its identification, yet caution is advised where their ranges overlap with Jerdon's bush lark, particularly in the central Western Ghats. Jerdon's is darker with more rufous on the wings, whereas the Indian bush lark is paler in comparison.

Habitat

This lark favors arid regions, where it can most commonly be found.

Distribution

The Indian bush lark graces the landscapes of Pakistan and India, with its presence noted in north-western, central, and south-central regions of the latter.

Behaviour

A remarkable display is the song-flight during the mating season. The Indian bush lark ascends flutteringly above the ground, then glides down with wings outstretched in a "V", resembling a parachute, all the while serenading the air with its song. This consists of short tweets and cheeps in a three-syllable sequence, culminating in a longer fourth syllable, repeated until the lark alights once more.

Song & Calls

The Indian bush lark's calls are reminiscent of Jerdon's bush lark but are distinguished by their lower pitch and longer rattling tremolos, which often descend in pitch. It is known to vocalize from atop bushes, though it seldom perches on trees or wires.

Conservation status

The species is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.