Indian bush lark facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Indian bush lark
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Mirafra
Species:	erythroptera

The Indian bush lark (Mirafra erythroptera) is a small bird. It belongs to the lark family, called Alaudidae. You can find this bird living in parts of South Asia.

What's in a Name?

The Indian bush lark has a few other names. Some people call it the Indian lark or the rusty-winged lark. Sometimes, the names "red-winged lark" or "red-winged bush lark" are used. But these names are usually for a different bird, the red-winged lark.

How to Spot an Indian Bush Lark

This bird is known for its pale feathers. It has a special white stripe above its eye, called a supercilium. This stripe goes all the way around its cheek. The top of its head and its back have many streaks. Its belly is light-colored and has big spots on its chest.

Wings and Tail

The Indian bush lark has a shorter beak and legs compared to a bird called Jerdon's bush lark. It also has a longer tail. Many of its wing feathers and central tail feathers have light centers. Its main wing feathers look all brown.

Reddish Wings

A special clue to identify this bird is its reddish-brown wing bars. These are called "rufous wing bars." However, be careful not to confuse it with Jerdon's bush lark. Jerdon's bush lark is darker and has more reddish color on its wings. These two birds can live in the same areas, especially in the Western Ghats.

Its Song

The Indian bush lark likes to sing from the tops of bushes. It usually does not perch on trees or power lines. Its calls sound a lot like Jerdon's bush lark. But the Indian bush lark's calls are lower. They also have longer, rattling sounds that often drop in pitch.

Where Do They Live?

The Indian bush lark mostly lives in dry areas. You can find it in Pakistan. It also lives in north-western, central, and south-central India.

Amazing Behaviour

During the mating season, the Indian bush lark performs a special "song-flight." It is an amazing sight to see! The bird flies high above the ground. Then, it holds its wings in an open "V" shape. It slowly floats down to its perch, like a parachute.

The Song-Flight Tune

While it floats down, the bird sings its unique song. The song has short tweets and cheeps in three parts. Then, it adds a longer fourth part. The bird repeats this song until it lands on its perch again.

Gallery

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  Indian bushlark (Mirafra erythroptera)

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  Indian bushlark at Rajkot