The chestnut-backed sparrow-lark is a passerine bird which is a resident breeder in Africa south of the Sahara Desert.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in dry savannas, semi-deserts, and sparsely vegetated grasslands, especially in areas with bare ground and scattered shrubs. Frequently found along overgrazed pastures, fallow fields, and roadside verges where seeds are abundant. Uses recently burned or disturbed sites that create open foraging space. In more mesic regions it favors the driest, most open patches within the landscape.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small lark is a resident breeder across much of sub-Saharan Africa, favoring open, arid landscapes. Males show bold black-and-white head patterns with a chestnut back, while females are sandy and streaked for camouflage. It nests on the ground in a shallow scrape and often exploits termite emergences after rains. Pairs may defend small territories in the breeding season but gather in loose flocks at other times.
Illustration of a pair
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs during breeding, with both sexes attending a ground nest concealed by low vegetation. Outside the breeding season it forms small to medium loose flocks, often mixed with other seed-eating birds. Breeding is timed to follow rains when food is most available.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a dry, tinkling series of chirps and trills, delivered from the ground, a perch, or during a brief display flight. Calls include sharp chips and rattling notes used to maintain contact in flocks.
Plumage
Male with bold black-and-white head pattern, black breast band, and rich chestnut mantle; underparts mostly pale. Female and immature birds are sandy-buff with fine streaking and a plainer face, providing excellent ground camouflage.
Diet
Feeds primarily on grass and weed seeds gleaned from the ground. Supplements diet with insects—especially termites, beetles, and small ants—most notably after rainfall and during the breeding season to feed nestlings. Will exploit recently disturbed or burned areas where seeds and invertebrates are exposed.
Preferred Environment
Forages on bare or sparsely vegetated ground, along track edges, overgrazed fields, and open savanna flats. Often feeds in small groups, moving quickly and crouching when disturbed.
