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, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, and hot deserts.
| Chestnut-headed sparrow-lark | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Beside Lake Turkana, Ethiopia | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Alaudidae |
| Genus: | Eremopterix |
| Species: | E. signatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Eremopterix signatus (Oustalet, 1886) | |
| Subspecies | |
See text | |
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| Synonyms | |
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Taxonomy and systematics
Subspecies
Two subspecies are recognized:[2]
- 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.[3]
References
