Passeriformes / Alaudidae / Alauda
Oriental Skylark
Alauda gulgula · 小云雀
Introduction
A species of skylark found in the Sino-Indian region and parts of central Asia. It inhabits open grasslands where it feeds on seeds and insects.
Description
About 16 cm (6.3 in) long. Plumage is streaked and yellow-brown on the upperparts, with white outer tail feathers and a short crest. Both sexes are similar.
Identification
Smaller than the Eurasian skylark with a longer, more pointed bill. Outer tail feathers are more buff, and it lacks the white trailing edge during flight seen in similar species.
Distribution & Habitat
Breeds across the Sino-Indian region and parts of central Asia, wintering in the southern parts of its range. Thirteen subspecies are recognized, occurring from the Pamir Mountains, Tibetan Plateau, and western Himalayas through China, Indochina, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and the northern Philippines. Habitats include open areas with short vegetation such as grasslands, marshes, and lake edges; it avoids forested areas except for large clearings.
Behavior & Ecology
Feeds on seeds and insects. Frequently rockets up into the sky, fluttering and singing before descending. Males may hover in the air and sing to attract mates.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Alauda
Vocalizations
Subspecies (9)
-
Alauda gulgula australis
southwestern India
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
