The Indian Subcontinent provides suitable habitats to various species of birds for residing and nesting. Larks are no exception in this regard. Different species of larks have been recorded in different parts of India. Some of these Larks are mentioned below.
Indian Bush Lark
Indian Bush Lark has been traced in north-western, central and south-central India. This bird has pale upper body. It is heavily streaked on the crown and upper-parts. The lark also has large spots on the breast. The cheek patch is completely bounded by a white supercilium and post-auricular border. Most of its wing coverts, tertials and central tail feathers have pale centers. The primary coverts are brown in appearance. Indian Bush Lark differs from Jerdon`s bush lark in terms of shorter bill and legs and a longer tail. Also, Jerdon`s bush lark is darker with more rufous on the wings. This bird sings on bush tops.
Jerdon`s Bush Lark
Jerdon`s Bush Lark has been recorded in south-east India. This bird has buffy lores. As compared to the Indian Bush Lark, Jerdon`s Bush Lark is less white behind the ear coverts, has darker center to wing coverts and central tail feathers. It has arrowhead-like spots pointing upwards on the breast. Its primary coverts have dark centers, which are prominent on the body of the bird. Its wing panels are duller and rufous. The song of this bird is a dry rattle uttered from its perch.
Bengal Bush Lark
Bengal Bush Lark is a resident breeder in the Indian Subcontinent. This bird has grey upper body and buff lower body. Its bill can be described as strong and stout. This bird is dark-streaked, with spotting on the breast and behind the eye. The bird has rufous wings and a short tail. This lark depends mainly on seeds and insects (especially the latter during the breeding season) for survival. The song of this bird is a repetition of thin disyllabic notes, delivered in a song-flight.
Crested Lark
Crested Lark breeds in eastern India. The name of the bird has been derived from its distinct crest. This is a brown- colored bird. Its tail is short with light brown outer feathers. Male and female Crested Larks are known to be similar. If the bird has more spots on its back, it can then be identified as a young lark.
Malabar Lark
Malabar Lark has been traced in western India. This lark is a dark-streaked reddish brown bird. It has a long spiky erectile crest.
Other Indian Larks
Some of the other Indian Larks are Ashy-Crowned Sparrow-Lark, Greater Short-Toed Lark and Sand Lark.
