Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark

Eremopterix signata

Other Pics: Female Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark

Other Names

    Moinelette d'Oustalet   Harlekinlerche   Gurrio-Alondra Carirroja   Brunhuvad finklärka   Somalische Vinkleeuwerik   Allodola testacastana

World: Africa: endemic to a small area in the NE from NE Kenya to S Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia.

Kenya: A bird of dry short-grass and lava desert in the N of the country. Range has extended S and it is now found in Tsavo East, particularly around the Aruba Dam.

Despite being named the Chestnut-headed Sparrow-lark, one of its most striking features of the male (pictured above)is the bright white circular area on the crown. This crown marking is the most obvious way of distinguishing it from Fischer's Sparrow-lark.

It is found in pairs or in flocks of up to about 40 birds. It is frequently found around water holes. When flying it keeps low to the ground. It may sing in flight but also sings when standing on the bare ground.