The Oriental skylark, also known as the small skylark, is a species of skylark found in the Sino-Indian region and parts of central Asia. Like other skylarks, it is found in open grassland where it feeds on seeds and insects.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Indian subcontinent through southern China and Taiwan to parts of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Malay region. Prefers open grasslands, fallow fields, stubble, and lightly grazed pastures. Also uses airfields, coastal meadows, and dry scrub with patches of bare ground. Often coexists with agriculture provided vegetation remains short and patchy.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Males perform long, hovering song-flights high above open fields, delivering a sustained, rich warble. Nests are shallow ground cups hidden in grass, making the species highly reliant on low, open vegetation. It adapts well to agricultural landscapes but is sensitive to heavy pesticide use and repeated mowing during breeding.
Kolleru Lake, Andhra Pradesh, India
in Bangladesh
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
hovering song-flier with short rapid wingbeats; low undulating commute flights
Social Behavior
Territorial pairs during breeding, with males displaying in prolonged aerial song-flights. Nest is a grass-lined ground cup concealed among tufts; typical clutches contain 3–5 eggs. Outside the breeding season they form small, loose flocks and may forage communally in open fields.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sustained, bright warble of trills, chirrs, and varied phrases delivered from a hovering song-flight, often lasting several minutes. Calls include short chips and soft twitters when flushed.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts heavily streaked with darker brown; buffy underparts with fine breast streaking. Feathers are cryptic and finely patterned for camouflage in grass. Small erectile crest often visible when alert.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of grass and weed seeds, cereal grains, and a wide range of invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, ants, and grasshoppers. Insects form a larger proportion during the breeding season, especially for chick rearing. Forages mainly by walking and gleaning from the ground, probing soil and litter.
Preferred Environment
Short-grass pastures, stubble, fallow fields, and open scrub with scattered bare patches. Frequently uses edges of cultivation, tracks, and airfields where vegetation is kept low.
