Bengal bush lark
Bengal bush lark | |
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At Joka in Kolkata. | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Passeriformes |
Family: | Alaudidae |
Genus: | Mirafra |
Species: | M. assamica |
Binomial name | |
Mirafra assamica Horsfield, 1840 | |
Synonyms | |
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The Bengal bush lark (Mirafra assamica) is a species of lark in the Alaudidae family found in South Asia.
Taxonomy and systematics
The differences within the genus Mirafra are often very subtle and confusing with many differences apparent only when specimens are examined in hand.
The Bengal bush lark was earlier classified into several races, the Bengal race assamica and the Madras race affinis. These were subsequently split, on the basis of diagnostic song and display characters, into the Jerdon's bush lark (Mirafra affinis) and assamica in the strict sense. Formerly, both the Burmese bush lark and Jerdon's bush lark were considered subspecies of the Bengal bush lark (as M. a. microptera and M. a. affinis respectively) until split to form a separate species. The alternate name "Rufous-winged bush lark" may also be used to describe the Red-winged lark.[2]
Description
The Bengal bush lark is short-tailed and has a strong stout bill. It is not as long as the skylark, measuring about 15 centimetres in length. It is dark-streaked grey above, and buff below, with spotting on the breast and behind the eye. The wings are rufous.
The song of the Bengal bush lark is a repetition of thin disyllabic notes, delivered in a song-flight.[3]
Distribution and habitat
It is a resident breeder in the Indian subcontinent and south-east Asia, with an estimated global extent of occurrence of 100,000-1,000,000 square kilometres.[1]
The Bengal bush lark is a common bird of dry, open, stony country often with sparse shrubs, and cultivated areas.
Behaviour and ecology
It nests on the ground, laying three or four speckled eggs. This lark feeds primarily on seeds and insects, especially the latter during the breeding season.
Gallery
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In Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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With paddyfield pipit (Anthus rufulus) in Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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In Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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In Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Preening in Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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In Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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In Kolkata, West Bengal, India
References
- 1 2 BirdLife International (2013). "Mirafra assamica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
- ↑ "Mirafra hypermetra - Avibase". avibase.bsc-eoc.org. Retrieved 2016-11-28.
- ↑ Alström, Per (1998). "Taxonomy of the Mirafra assamica complex" (PDF). Forktail. 13: 97–107 . Retrieved May 1, 2009.
External links
- Species factsheet - BirdLife International