Biology:Chestnut-headed sparrow-lark

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Short description: Species of bird

Chestnut-headed sparrow-lark
Eremopterix signatus.jpg
Beside Lake Turkana, Ethiopia
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Alaudidae
Genus: Eremopterix
Species:
E. signatus
Binomial name
Eremopterix signatus
(Oustalet, 1886)
Subspecies

See text

Eremopterix signata distribution map.png
Synonyms
  • Eremopterix signata
  • Pyrrhulauda signata

The chestnut-headed sparrow-lark (Eremopterix signatus) or chestnut-headed finch-lark is a species of passerine bird in the family Alaudidae. It is found in eastern and north-eastern Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, and hot deserts.

Taxonomy and systematics

Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized:[2]

  • E. s. harrisoni - (Ogilvie-Grant, 1900): Found in south-eastern Sudan and north-western Kenya
  • E. s. signatus - (Oustalet, 1886): Found in southern and eastern Ethiopia, Somalia and eastern Kenya

Description

The male chestnut-headed sparrow-lark has a black collar and bib, white cheeks and a white circular area on the nape of the crown, surrounded by a chestnut border. This distinguishes it from Fischer's sparrow-lark which lacks the white spot. The female has duller plumage.

Behaviour and ecology

This bird is usually found in pairs or small flocks of up to forty birds, often around water holes. It flies low to the ground and may sing in flight or when standing on bare ground.[3]

References

Wikidata ☰ Q2667846 entry