The sand lark is a small passerine bird in the lark family, Alaudidae, found in southern Asia. It is somewhat similar to, but smaller than the short-toed larks.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Found widely across the northern and central Indian subcontinent, especially along major river systems such as the Ganges and Brahmaputra and their tributaries. It favors open, sparsely vegetated sandbars, river islands, dry riverbeds, and saline or coastal flats. Local populations also occur in Bangladesh, Nepalese lowlands, and parts of Pakistan. It is largely sedentary but may shift locally as river levels and sandbanks change seasonally.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The sand lark is a small, cryptically colored lark that blends remarkably well with sandy riverbanks and dry flats, making it easy to overlook. It often nests on bare ground in shallow scrapes, which can be vulnerable to flooding along big rivers. Formerly placed in the genus Calandrella, it is now commonly treated as Alaudala based on vocal and genetic evidence.
Temperament
cryptic and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in small loose groups; outside the breeding season it can form small flocks on open sandflats. Nests are shallow ground scrapes lined with fine material, placed on bare or sparsely vegetated sand. Typically monogamous, with both parents involved in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, tinkling series of trills and short phrases, delivered from the ground or during brief fluttering song-flights. Calls include soft chips and high, buzzy notes that carry over open flats.
Plumage
Pale sandy-brown upperparts with fine streaking and a whitish to buff underside; plumage closely matches dry sand. The breast often shows faint streaking or small dusky patches, and the face has a subtle supercilium and dark malar line. Outer tail feathers are pale, creating white flashes in flight.
Diet
Feeds on small seeds of grasses and herbs, supplemented heavily with insects such as ants, beetles, termites, and small caterpillars, especially in the breeding season. It gleans from the ground while walking and may probe lightly in loose sand. Diet composition shifts seasonally with rainfall and invertebrate availability.
Preferred Environment
Open sandy substrates with scattered low vegetation, including riverine sandbars, dry channels, and saline flats. Often forages near the waterline or along the edges of sparse grass clumps where seeds and invertebrates accumulate.
