The chestnut-headed sparrow-lark 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.
Region
Horn of Africa and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern and north-eastern Africa, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, eastern Kenya, and north-eastern Tanzania. It favors open, sparsely vegetated habitats such as dry shrubland, semi-desert, stony plains, and dry lowland grassland. Often found around acacia scrub, overgrazed pastures, fallow fields, and dry riverbeds with ample bare ground. Local abundance may shift with rainfall, tracking seeding grasses and insect emergences.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small ground-dwelling lark is adapted to arid landscapes and often runs rather than flies when disturbed. Males are striking with a chestnut head and bold black-and-white facial pattern, making them easy to pick out against sandy ground. Pairs or small flocks are common, and breeding can be timed to follow rains when seeds and insects are abundant.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small loose flocks outside the breeding season, foraging on open ground. Nests are shallow scrapes on the ground, often tucked against a grass tuft or small shrub. Likely monogamous with both parents attending the young; clutch sizes are small and timed to follow rains.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, twittering series of trills and chips, delivered from the ground, a low perch, or during a brief fluttering display flight. Calls include dry chit notes used to keep contact in small groups.
