Fischer's Sparrow-Lark
NameFischer's Sparrow-Lark
Common NameFischer's Sparrow-Lark
Scientific NameEremopterix leucopareia
FamilyAlaudidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)14
Plumage DetailsMales have a brown crown, white cheeks, and a broad black band extending from the eye to the nape, with a prominent black patch on the breast. Upperparts are sandy brown with darker streaking, and underparts are white. Females are duller, lacking the strong head pattern and black breast patch.
Vocalization / CallA soft, high-pitched 'tseep' or 'tsip' call, often given in flight, and a simple, repetitive song.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in eastern Africa, from southern Ethiopia and Somalia south through Kenya and Tanzania to Malawi and Zambia.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive head pattern (male), Black breast patch (male), Sandy-brown streaked upperparts, Small, stocky build, Ground-dwelling behavior
Description
A small, stocky lark with a distinctive head pattern, particularly in males. It typically forages on the ground in open, arid or semi-arid habitats, often in small flocks, blending well with its surroundings.
