Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark
NameChestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark
Common NameChestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark
Scientific NameEremopterix signatus
FamilyAlaudidae
Wingspan (cm)21
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)14
Plumage DetailsMales have a striking chestnut crown, a black face with prominent white ear-coverts and a white collar. Their underparts are largely black with white flanks, and upperparts are sandy brown with streaking. Females are duller, mostly sandy-brown with streaking and lack the bold head pattern of the male.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, high-pitched 'tsee-tsee' or 'chip-chip' call, often given in flight. The song is a series of tinkling notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in eastern Africa, including Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and northern Tanzania.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive chestnut crown and black-and-white face pattern (male), Small size, Sandy-brown upperparts, Ground-dwelling behavior
Description
This small lark is characterized by its distinctive head pattern, particularly prominent in males. It is typically found foraging on the ground in arid and semi-arid open habitats across eastern Africa.
