The Turkestan short-toed lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is found in Ukraine and central Turkey through parts of Central Asia and southern Siberia west to south-central Mongolia and south to southern Afghanistan. This species and the Mediterranean short-toed lark were formerly considered conspecific and called the lesser short-toed lark, but a 2020 study recovered them as distinct species.
Region
Central Asia and adjacent Eurasian steppe
Typical Environment
Breeds from Ukraine and central Turkey east across the steppes of southern Russia and Kazakhstan through Central Asia to southern Siberia and south-central Mongolia, extending south to southern Afghanistan. It occupies open steppe, semi-desert, salt flats, stony plains, and sparsely vegetated agricultural lands. Many populations shift south or southwest in winter into the Middle East, Iran, Pakistan, and adjacent regions where conditions are milder. It avoids densely vegetated areas, preferring short grass or bare patches for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Continental
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small lark of open steppes was split in 2020 from the Mediterranean short-toed lark, based on genetic and vocal differences. Its sandy tones provide superb camouflage against dry grasslands and semi-desert. It nests on the ground in a simple scrape, making it vulnerable to trampling but also benefiting from traditional low-intensity grazing that keeps vegetation short.
Temperament
wary and ground-oriented
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with fluttering song-flight
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs during the breeding season, nesting in a shallow ground scrape concealed by a clump of grass. Clutches typically contain 3–4 eggs, with both parents involved in care. Outside the breeding season it forms loose flocks that roam widely over open country.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A soft, tinkling series of trills and twitters, often delivered during a fluttering song-flight. Calls include thin, high tsip notes, especially when flushed.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts finely streaked, with paler buff underparts and faint streaking on the breast; overall plain-faced look with delicate markings.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants, supplemented seasonally with insects such as beetles, ants, and larvae. During the breeding season it increases insect intake to provide protein for nestlings. It gleanes from the ground and low vegetation, often moving quickly between sparse tufts.
Preferred Environment
Forages on bare or lightly vegetated ground in steppe, semi-desert, salt pans, stubble fields, and overgrazed pastures. Often seen along tracks, field edges, and sparsely vegetated plains where seeds and small invertebrates are accessible.
