Desert Lark

Overview

The desert lark (Ammomanes deserti), also known as the desert finch lark or sand lark, is a medium-sized lark that breeds in deserts and semi-deserts from Morocco to western India. It has a very wide distribution and is currently expanding its range, with the International Union for Conservation of Nature rating its status as 'least concern'.

Identification

• A medium-sized, big-headed, long-billed lark measuring 16 to 17 cm in length.
• Dull plumage ranging from pale to dark, with pale pinkish grey underparts that are heavily streaked.
• Distinguishable from the similar bar-tailed lark by a larger, broader beak, stouter legs, a less-domed head, and a longer tail lacking a defined terminal black band.
• The song is a mournful choo-wee-chacha wooee, described as more mellow and less squeaky than the bar-tailed lark, often uttered from the ground, a boulder, or during flight.

Habitat

The species has a vast range extending from Mauritania, Western Sahara, and southern Morocco east through northern Africa to Chad and Somalia, and further through southwest Asia to western India. It is a resident, non-migratory bird that avoids flat sand, preferring broken terrain with a vertical element such as stony areas or rocks.

Diet

The desert lark feeds on seeds and insects, with insect consumption becoming especially prominent during the breeding season.

Did you know?

The bird's colour variation closely matches its habitat, with sandy-coloured birds being commoner in sandy areas, greyer birds in rocky areas, and the darkest birds in deserts dominated by basalt.