Eremopterix leucotis
The Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, Eremopterix leucotis, is a captivating passerine species belonging to the Alaudidae family, known for its striking sexual dimorphism. Males are easily identifiable by their contrasting black underparts, face, and distinctive white cheek patches, sharply contrasting with a rich chestnut back and upperwing coverts. They measure approximately 12-13 cm in length and weigh around 12-16 grams. Females, in contrast, exhibit a more subdued, streaky brown plumage, off...
Primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid savannas, short grasslands, steppe, and cultivated fields, often preferring areas with sparse vegetation and bare ground. Found from sea level up to elevations of approximately 2,000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on a variety of small seeds from grasses and herbaceous plants, supplemented with insects such as ants, termites, and small beetles, especially during the breeding season.
This diurnal species is largely terrestrial, spending most of its time foraging on the ground, often in small, loose flocks outside the breeding season that can number in the dozens. Males perform a characteristic undulating, buzzing display flight during courtship, ascending high into the sky be...
The Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark boasts an extensive distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal and Mauritania in the west, eastward through the Sahel zone to Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. Its range extends southwards across East Africa into southern Africa, reaching as far...
Least Concern
- The male Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark's striking black, white, and chestnut plumage is a classic example of sexual dimorphism among larks. - Their courtship display involves a high, undulating flight accompanied by a buzzing, mechanical song that can be heard over long distances. - Despite thei...