Alauda

Alauda is a genus of larks with four species found across much of Europe, Asia and in the mountains of north Africa, and one species (the Raso lark) endemic to the islet of Raso in the Cape Verde Islands.

These birds are 14–18 cm long and live in cultivation, heath, natural steppe and other open habitats. The long, unbroken song is a clear, bubbling warble delivered high in the air while the bird is rising, circling or hovering. They are fairly undistinguished: streaked brown above and pale below, with a short, blunt, erectile crest. In flight, they display a short tail and short broad wings. The tail and the rear edge of the wings are edged with white.

Their diet consists of seeds, supplemented with insects in the breeding season. They nest on the ground in tufts of grass, with three to six eggs per clutch. They form flocks when not breeding.

Species in taxonomic order

Oriental skylark

The Oriental skylark (Alauda gulgula), also known as the Oriental lark or small skylark, is a species of skylark found on the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Like other skylarks, it is found in open grassland - often near bodies of water - where it feeds on seeds and insects.

These skylarks frequently rocket up into the sky, fluttering and singing before descending down to earth. Male Oriental skylarks may also hover in the air and sing, in order to attract a mate.

Oriental skylarks are about 16 cm long. They have streaked, yellow-brown upper plumage, with white outer tail feathers and a short crest. Both sexes are similar.

References

External links