Plocealauda erythroptera
The Indian Bush Lark (Plocealauda erythroptera), also known as the Rufous-winged Lark, is a small, ground-dwelling songbird belonging to the family Alaudidae. Averaging 13-14 cm in length, it exhibits a streaky rufous-brown plumage on its upperparts, contrasting with a pale, often whitish, underbelly that features streaking on the breast. A prominent pale supercilium above the eye serves as a key field mark, but its most distinctive feature is a striking rufous patch visible on the flight fea...
Found in dry, open country, including grasslands, scrubland, fallow fields, and cultivated areas, typically at elevations below 1200 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on grasshoppers, beetles, ants, and termites, supplemented by small seeds, especially during drier periods. Forages almost exclusively on the ground.
Diurnal by nature, the Indian Bush Lark spends its active hours foraging on the ground, where it walks and runs adeptly to pick up food items. Males establish and defend breeding territories through vocalizations and characteristic aerial displays. During courtship, the male ascends in a spiralin...
The Indian Bush Lark is a widespread resident across the Indian subcontinent. Its primary breeding and year-round range spans most of India, excluding the highest Himalayan regions and dense forests. It is also found throughout Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and extends into parts of southeastern ...
Least Concern
- The Indian Bush Lark is renowned for its spectacular aerial display flight, where the male ascends high while delivering a sustained, melodious song. - Its song is highly variable and often includes impressive mimicry of other bird species found in its habitat, making identification by sound ch...