The bimaculated lark breeds in warm temperate countries eastwards from Turkey into Central Asia. It is the eastern counterpart of its relative, the calandra lark.
Region
West and Central Asia
Typical Environment
It breeds from Turkey east through the Caucasus and Iran into Central Asia, including parts of the Kazakh steppe and adjacent regions. Outside the breeding season it moves south and southwest to the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, and northeastern Africa, with some birds reaching the northwestern Indian subcontinent. It favors open steppe, semi-desert plains, stony foothills, and lightly cultivated farmlands with sparse vegetation. Cereal fields, fallow land, and areas with patches of bare ground are commonly used for foraging.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Continental
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The bimaculated lark is the eastern counterpart of the calandra lark but shows smaller, neater black patches on the sides of the breast, which give the species its name. Dark underwing coverts and white outer tail feathers are useful field marks in flight. It is a strong song-flier, with males delivering display songs while circling high above open steppe. Like many larks, it has a long, fairly straight hind claw adapted to ground living.
Melanocorypha bimaculata
Temperament
wary and ground-oriented
Flight Pattern
strong flier with short rapid wingbeats and glides
Social Behavior
Typically in pairs during the breeding season, nesting on the ground in a shallow scrape lined with plant material. Outside breeding it can form loose flocks that feed and move together over open country. Males perform song-flights, rising and circling while singing to advertise territories.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A rich, rolling warble with trills and whistles, often less full-bodied than the calandra lark. Delivered from a perch or during elevated circling song-flights, carrying well over open steppe.
