Oriental skylark

Species of bird

The Oriental skylark (Alauda gulgula), also known as the small skylark, is a species of skylark found in the Sino Indian region and parts of central Asia. Like other skylarks, it is found in open grassland where it feeds on seeds and insects.

The Oriental skylark was described by the English soldier and naturalist James Franklin in 1831 and given the binomial name Alauda gulgula. The meaning of the specific epithet gulgula is uncertain but is perhaps a reference to the song as gula is Latin for "throat" or may be the color of the "gulgula" or a sweet which looks like doughnut made in many parts of Central India. Other alternate names for the Oriental skylark include eastern skylark, Indian skylark and lesser skylark.

Oriental skylarks are about long. They have streaked, yellow brown upper plumage, with white outer tail feathers and a short crest. Both sexes are similar. The Oriental skylark differs from the Eurasian skylark in several aspects. It is a smaller size, with a longer, more pointed bill. The outer tail feathers are more buff, and it lacks the white trailing edge during flight. It winters in the southern parts of its range. It is usually found in open areas with short vegetation, such as grasslands, marshes, the edges of lakes, etc. It feeds on seeds and insects. It avoids forested areas, though it may be found in large forest clearings.

These skylarks frequently rocket up into the sky, fluttering and singing before descending down to earth. Male Oriental skylarks may also hover in the air and sing, in order to attract a mate.