Desert lark
| Desert lark | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Alaudidae |
| Genus: | Ammomanes |
| Species: | A. deserti |
| Binomial name | |
| Ammomanes deserti (Lichtenstein, 1823) | |
The desert lark (Ammomanes deserti) breeds in deserts and semi-deserts from the Sahara east through the Arabian peninsula and the Middle East to Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
It is resident (non-migratory) apart from local movements in arid stony areas, and avoids flat sand. Its nest is on the ground in a rock crevice or amongst stones, with three or four eggs being laid. The desert lark eats seeds and insects, the latter especially in the breeding season.
This is a small lark at 15–16.5 cm in length. It is sand-coloured above and pale pinkish grey below, with a thick yellow-based bill. The tail is reddish brown with a diffuse dark terminal band.
The sexes are alike, but there is considerable geographical variation. For example, A. d. payni of southern Morocco is greyer above than nominate deserti, and has orange flanks. A. d. annae of north Jordan has dark grey upperparts, head and breast.
The song is a mournful choo-wee-chacha wooee, but it is otherwise quiet.
References
- ↑ BirdLife International (2012). "Ammomanes deserti". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.