The Rufous-tailed lark

Description:

The sighting occurred during an early winter bird survey carried out by Biswajit De, founder president of WildRoots, which conducts avian surveys near Kuruwa Ghat here. The grass bird was sighted and photographed on October 25.

Habitat:

The rufous-tailed lark, sometimes called the rufous-tailed finch-lark, is a ground bird found in the drier, open, stony habitats of the country and parts of Pakistan. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified it in the “least concern” category. Though the global population size has not been quantified, the species is reported to be common in north India. It has a large, finch-like bill with a slightly curved edge to the upper mandible. The dull brown colour matches the soil as it forages for grass seeds, grain and insects. “The species is found mainly in low altitude dry regions in open habitats without significant tree cover

Notes:

Found in drier and stony habitats of the country, bird seen in region after 22 years.