Malabar lark

The Malabar lark, also known as the Malabar crested lark, is a bird indigenous to western India. Formerly classified within the genus Alauda, it has since been reassigned to its current genus. At one time, some experts even considered it a subspecies of the Thekla lark.

In comparison to the Eurasian skylark, the Malabar lark is slightly smaller. It features a long, spiky crest and grey plumage, but lacks the white wing and tail edges characteristic of the skylark. While similar to the crested lark, the Malabar lark is distinguished by its smaller size, dark-streaked reddish-brown coloration, and white belly. Another related species found in India is Sykes's lark, which also exhibits reddish-brown feathers.

The Malabar lark is typically found in open areas, cultivated lands, and scrub habitats, particularly at higher altitudes in western India. It is a sedentary bird, meaning it stays in one location, and it nests on the ground, usually laying two or three eggs. Its diet consists of seeds and insects, with a preference for insects during the breeding season.