The Mongolian short-toed lark or Sykes's short-toed lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It breeds in China and Mongolia and winters in southern Asia.
Region
Central and East Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in open steppe and semi-desert from Mongolia into northern and northwestern China. In the non-breeding season it moves south to the Indian subcontinent, occurring from Pakistan across northern India to peninsular India and Sri Lanka. It frequents sparsely vegetated plains, fallow fields, stubble, and sandy or gravelly flats. The species typically avoids dense vegetation and closed habitats, favoring wide open areas with bare ground for foraging.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Recently split from the Greater Short-toed Lark, this species breeds across Mongolia and northern China and migrates to the Indian subcontinent in winter. It is a ground-dwelling lark adapted to open steppe and semi-desert, relying on camouflage and a low, undulating flight to evade predators. Identification is aided by its very short hind claw and white outer tail feathers. During the breeding season, males perform buoyant song-flights with tinkling trills.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
low, undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms loose flocks that forage and roost together in open ground. Pairs nest on the ground in a shallow cup concealed by a tuft of grass or small shrub. The male performs display flights over territories, while both adults tend the brood and remain highly vigilant for predators.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A soft, tinkling series of trills and short phrases, often delivered in display flight. Calls include dry chips and soft rattles given during flocking and in flight.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts with fine dark streaking and pale fringes, contrasting with whitish underparts that show limited, delicate breast streaking.
Diet
Feeds on small seeds of grasses and herbs, supplemented with insects such as beetles, ants, and grasshoppers. During the breeding season it shifts toward more animal prey to meet protein demands. It gleans from the ground and low vegetation, picking items individually with quick movements.
Preferred Environment
Forages on bare or sparsely vegetated ground, including grazed steppe, stubble fields, and sandy flats. Often uses field margins and lightly disturbed agricultural areas where seed and insects are abundant.
