The pink-breasted lark or pink-breasted bushlark is a species of passerine bird in the family Alaudidae.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs across dry savannas and thorn scrub, especially Acacia–Commiphora bushland, from southeastern Ethiopia and Somalia through Kenya into northern and central Tanzania. Prefers open, sparsely vegetated ground with scattered shrubs or low trees. Often found along tracks, overgrazed pastures, and recently burned areas where bare soil is exposed. It is generally sedentary, with local movements tracking rainfall and food availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the pink-breasted bushlark, this small lark is a ground-dwelling songbird of East Africa’s dry savannas. It delivers a sweet, whistled song from low perches or in short display flights. The subtle pinkish wash across the upper breast is most visible in good light. It adapts well to lightly grazed or disturbed scrub with patches of bare ground.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low undulating bouts
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories on open ground. Nests on the ground in a small cup hidden at the base of grass or shrubs. Pairs are monogamous in the breeding season, and males perform short display flights while singing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sweet, whistled series of phrases delivered from a low perch or during a brief fluttering display. Calls include soft chips and trills used for contact and alarm.
Plumage
Upperparts are sandy to brown and finely streaked, with warmer rufous tones in the wings and tail. Underparts are pale buff with a distinct pinkish wash across the upper breast that can be subtle in dull light. A pale supercilium contrasts with a darker eye line; tail shows rufous tones with darker central feathers.
Diet
Takes a mix of seeds and small invertebrates, including ants, beetles, termites, and grasshoppers. During wetter periods it consumes more insects, switching to seeds when conditions are dry. Forages by walking and gleaning on bare ground or among short grasses.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open scrub and lightly grazed savanna with scattered bushes and patches of bare soil. Often uses track edges, recently burned areas, and fallow fields where prey is easier to spot.
