Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Sand Lark (Alaudala raytal)
Sand Lark

Sand Lark

Alaudala raytal

The Sand Lark (Alaudala raytal) is a diminutive member of the lark family, Alaudidae, that graces the southern Asian landscape. This small passerine bird, with a length of approximately 12 to 13 centimeters, is somewhat reminiscent of the short-toed larks, albeit in a more compact form.

Identification Tips

To identify the Sand Lark, look for its dull brownish-grey plumage with faint streaks adorning the upperparts. The bird's short tail and fine bill are distinctive, with the bill size varying across its range. The subspecies krishnakumarsinhji, found near Bhavnagar in Gujarat, is notably greyer with pronounced dark streaks on its upper plumage and breast. The white lores, supercilium, and area beneath the eye contrast with the whitish underside, which may exhibit fine streaks except in the krishnakumarsinhji subspecies.

Habitat

The Sand Lark favors the sandy islands along rivers and adjacent fields, where it can be observed. It also frequents coastal dunes and arid mud-flats, adapting well to these environments.

Distribution

This species is widespread across the Gangetic plains and along the sandy banks of major rivers such as the Indus, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, and Chindwin. It is also present along the Narmada River, albeit less commonly.

Behaviour

Sand Larks are typically seen alone, in pairs, or in small, loose groups. They exhibit a distinctive foraging behavior, making sudden zigzag movements on sandy banks near water to catch insects and seeds.

Song & Calls

The Sand Lark's song is a delightful mix of rattling and tinkling notes, often performed high in the air before descending with a series of dry rattles and whistles. Its flight pattern includes soaring, rapid wing flapping, and gliding descents, culminating in a vertical dive to perch. The bird's call is a clear, tinkling "chissip."

Breeding

The breeding season spans from February to May. Sand Larks nest on the ground, constructing a deep cup in vegetation patches on the sand. They typically lay three greyish-white eggs speckled with brown.

Similar Species

While similar to short-toed larks, the Sand Lark can be distinguished by its smaller size and specific plumage characteristics.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Sand Lark consists of insects and seeds, which it forages for on the ground.

Conservation status

The Sand Lark is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Sand Larks on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Larks

A photo of a Greater Hoopoe-Lark (Alaemon alaudipes)

Greater Hoopoe-Lark

Alaemon alaudipes
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Leonie
We've been waiting for an App like this
Excellent! We've been waiting for an app like this! Thank you! It would be nice if you could assign additional birds to sessions later!
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.