Greater Short-toed Lark
NameGreater Short-toed Lark
Common NameGreater Short-toed Lark
Scientific NameCalandrella brachydactyla
FamilyAlaudidae
Wingspan (cm)31
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)23
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are sandy brown with dark streaking, especially on the crown and back. Underparts are whitish, often with a faint streaky patch on the sides of the breast. It has a pale supercilium and a dark line through the eye. The tail is dark with white outer tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a varied, high-pitched, tinkling warble, often delivered in flight. Calls include a soft 'prrrrt' or 'chirrup'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across southern Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, from Portugal and Morocco east to Mongolia and China. Winters in Africa south of the Sahara, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of India.
Identifying Featuressmall size, pale sandy-brown plumage with streaking, short bill, pale supercilium, white outer tail feathers (visible in flight), short hind claw
Description
A small, pale lark with streaky brown upperparts and plain whitish underparts. It typically forages on the ground in open, dry habitats, often running rather than hopping.
