Rufous-tailed lark
Rufous-tailed lark | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Passeriformes |
Family: | Alaudidae |
Genus: | Ammomanes |
Species: | A. phoenicura
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Binomial name | |
Ammomanes phoenicura (Franklin, 1831)
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Subspecies | |
See text | |
Synonyms | |
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The rufous-tailed lark (Ammomanes phoenicura), also sometimes called the rufous-tailed finch-lark, is a ground bird found in the drier open stony habitats of India and parts of Pakistan. Like other species in the genus it has a large finch-like bill with a slightly curved edge to the upper mandible. The dull brown colour matches the soil as it forages for grass seeds, grain and insects. Males and females are indistinguishable in the field but during the breeding season, the male has a courtship display that involves flying up steeply and then nose-diving and pulling up in a series of stepped wavy dips accompanied by calling. They forage on the ground in pairs or small groups.
Taxonomy and systematics
The rufous-tailed lark was originally placed in the genus Mirafra.[2] Alternate names for the rufous-tailed lark include bar-tailed lark, rufous-tailed desert lark, and rufous-tailed finch-lark.
Subspecies
Some taxonomists in the past included the
- A. p. phoenicura - (Franklin, 1831): Found in north-eastern Pakistan and central India
- A. p. testacea - Koelz, 1951: Found in southern India
Description
Like other Ammomanes larks, the species has a wide curved beak with the nostrils covered by feathers. The hindclaw is as long as the hindtoe and moderately curved. The base of the lower mandible is fleshy while the rest is horn-grey. The legs are also flesh coloured. In the field, the rufous colour, the reddish rump and a dark tail band (narrowing towards the sides to give a triangular shape) are distinctive. The throat is lightly streaked in dark brown. Young birds have less streaking on the underside.[9][10][11]
Distribution
The species is found mainly in low altitude dry regions in open habitats without significant tree cover. It is resident mainly within India south of the
Ecology and behaviour
Usually seen on the ground, but sometimes perching on wires, these birds are not secretive. They walk on the ground making quick dashes to capture insects and when disturbed crouch and stay still to flush only when approached very close. The breeding season is from February to May. The display of males involves rising high with deep beats of the wing and then descending in a series of nose dives accompanied by short burbling or chirruping notes. They also call while perched. The nest is built in a depression in the ground and two to four eggs form the typical clutch. The eggs are broad oval with some gloss. The colour is creamy or pale yellowish-white with spots all over but denser at the broad end.[12] The incubation period has not been ascertained.[9][13]
Gallery
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Adults have streaks on the throat and breast
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Feeding on seeds
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Eggs
References
- . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ "Ammomanes phoenicura - Avibase". avibase.bsc-eoc.org. Retrieved 2016-11-18.
- ^ Dickinson, E.C. & R.W.R.J. Dekker (2001). "Systematic notes on Asian birds. 11. A preliminary review of the Alaudidae" (PDF). Zool. Verh. Leiden. 335: 61–84. Archived from the original on 2007-10-25.
- hdl:2246/3970.
- hdl:2246/952.
- ^ Dickinson, E.C.; R.W.R.J. Dekker; S. Eck & S. Somadikarta (2001). "Systematic notes on Asian birds. 12. Types of the Alaudidae" (PDF). Zool. Verh. Leiden. 335: 85–126. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-10-25.
- ^ a b Ali, S & SD Ripley (1986). Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan. Volume 5 (2nd ed.). New Delhi: Oxford University Press. pp. 12–16.
- .
- ^ a b c Rasmussen PC & JC Anderton (2005). Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide. Volume 2. Smithsonian Institution & Lynx Edicions. pp. 299–300.
- ^ Oates, EW (1890). Fauna of British India. Volume 2. London: Taylor and Francis. pp. 339–340.
- ^ Baker, ECS (1926). Fauna of British India. Birds. Volume 3 (2nd ed.). London: Taylor and Francis. pp. 349–351.
- ^ Ogilvie-Grant, WR (1912). Catalogue of the collection of Birds's eggs in the British Museum. Volume 5. Taylor and Francis, London. p. 145.
- ^ Hume, AO (1890). Oates (ed.). The nests and eggs of Indian birds. Volume 2 (2nd ed.). London: R H Proter. pp. 240–242.
External links
- Photographs, videos and calls - The Internet Bird Collection