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 Shrubland, scrubland, scrub, brush, or bush is a plant community characterized by vegetation dominated by shrubs, often also including grasses, herbs, and geophytes. Shrubland may either occur naturally or be the result of human activity. It m ...

, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, and hot

desert A desert is a barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and, consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life. The lack of vegetation exposes the unprotected surface of the ground to denudation. About on ...

Taxonomy and systematics

Subspecies

Two

subspecies In biological classification, subspecies is a rank below species, used for populations that live in different areas and vary in size, shape, or other physical characteristics (morphology), but that can successfully interbreed. Not all species ...

are recognized: * ''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.Kenya Birds

References

chestnut-headed sparrow-lark Birds of the Horn of Africa chestnut-headed sparrow-lark Taxonomy articles created by Polbot {{Alaudidae-stub