Malabar Lark

The Malabar lark, also known as the Malabar crested lark, is a modestly sized bird, marginally more diminutive than the familiar Eurasian skylark. It boasts a distinctive long, spiky, and erectile crest, setting it apart from its relatives.

Identification Tips

When observing the Malabar lark, one notes its predominantly grey plumage, contrasted with the skylark's paler hues. It lacks the conspicuous white edges on the wings and tail that characterize the winter-visiting skylark. Both male and female Malabar larks share a similar appearance, with a white underbelly and dark-streaked reddish-brown feathers.

Habitat

This species thrives in the open countryside, amidst cultivation and scrubland, often favoring regions of higher elevation.

Distribution

The Malabar lark is endemic to western India, where it is a familiar sight across its range.

Behaviour

As a sedentary bird, the Malabar lark is known for its ground-nesting habits, where it lays a clutch of two to three eggs. Its diet is versatile, consisting of seeds and insects, with the latter being particularly crucial during the breeding season.

Song & Calls

The Malabar lark's vocalizations remain undocumented in this guide, but one can expect a repertoire of melodious trills and calls characteristic of larks.

Breeding

The ground is the nesting choice for the Malabar lark, where it lays its eggs and raises its young.

Similar Species

The crested lark, which resides in northern India, shares a resemblance with the Malabar lark but can be distinguished by its larger size and greyer plumage. Another relative, Sykes's lark, is smaller and shorter-billed, with a more rigid crest and plain rufous underparts, setting it apart from the Malabar lark.

Diet and Feeding

The Malabar lark's diet is composed of seeds supplemented with insects, particularly during the breeding season when additional protein is required.

Conservation status

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