Mongolian Short-toed Lark

Calandrella dukhunensis

中华短趾百灵

IUCN: Least Concern Found in China

Description

This species is characterized by darker plumage compared to the greater short-toed lark and possesses a notably shorter bill. It belongs to the family Alaudidae and represents a relatively recently separated species complex within the Calandrella genus.

Identification

Best distinguished from the greater short-toed lark by its darker overall coloration and distinctly shorter bill. These subtle plumage differences can be challenging to observe in the field and may require close observation or comparison with similar species.

Distribution & Habitat

Breeds across the Tibetan Plateau region of China and Mongolia. During the winter months, it migrates south to winter mainly in peninsular India, though it also occurs more broadly in southern Asia during this period.

Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

Taxonomy

Order
Passeriformes
Family
Alaudidae
Genus
Calandrella
eBird Code
sstlar4

Distribution

breeds in central and eastern Mongolia, and possibly in adjacent China; reported in China eastward to Liaoning, but breeding in China is not confirmed, and most or all records may refer to migrants; migrant also in northern Myanmar; winters in central and southern India

Data Sources

Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.