Crested Lark

Description:

A medium sized (about 16 to 18 cm in length) and generally pale lark (fam Alaudidae) with a prominent crest - a distinctive feature helping it being easily distinguished from all other larks, with the exception of Thekla Lark. In Chad, all specimen I saw were generally pale and dusty colored; uniformly colored back and rump, with very light streaking in the chest - but coloration vary regionally and taxonomy and identification may prove complex. From Thekla Lark, it can be distinguished (again with difficulty) by a slightly longer bill and longer crest; and in general paler streaking on chest.

Habitat:

Open dry savanna with sparse vegetation, I often saw them in pairs close to farms and habitations.