The black-crowned sparrow-lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is found across northern Africa from Mauritania through the Middle East to north-western India. Its natural habitat is dry savanna.
Region
North Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and Northwest Indian Subcontinent
Typical Environment
Occurs from Mauritania and the wider Sahara across the Sahel and Arabian Peninsula to Iran, Pakistan, and northwestern India. It favors semi-desert, stony plains, sandy dunes with sparse grasses, and open acacia or tamarisk scrub. Often found near wadis, salt flats, and light pastoral areas where ground is largely bare. Local abundance can fluctuate with rains, and birds may shift range nomadically to track resources.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small desert lark shows strong sexual dimorphism: males have a striking black-and-white head pattern, while females are sandy and cryptic. It is highly adapted to arid landscapes, foraging on open ground and seeking shade during the hottest hours. Breeding often follows rainfall pulses, when insects become abundant. Pairs nest in a simple ground scrape, usually tucked beside a stone or low shrub.
Eremopterix nigriceps nigriceps, MHNT
Female and male of the species.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low direct flights over open ground
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it often forms small loose flocks, feeding and moving together across open flats. During breeding, pairs defend a small area around a ground nest scrape concealed by a stone or low shrub. Courtship includes brief display flights and ground chases, and breeding is commonly timed after rains when food peaks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The male gives a soft, tinkling series of twittering notes, often from the ground or during a short fluttering display flight. Calls include dry chirps and thin whistles used to keep contact within small groups.
