Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark
Eremopterix signatus
Silhouette: Gossipguy and T. Michael Keesey · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyAlaudidae (Larks)
- GenusEremopterix (Sparrow-Larks)
- SpeciesEremopterix signatus (Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark)
About the Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark
The chestnut-headed sparrow-lark (Eremopterix signatus) or chestnut-headed finch-lark is a species of passerine bird in the family Alaudidae. It is found in eastern and north-eastern Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, and hot deserts.
Two subspecies are recognized: E. s. harrisoni - (Ogilvie-Grant, 1900): Found in south-eastern Sudan and north-western Kenya E. s. signatus - (Oustalet, 1886): Found in southern and eastern Ethiopia, Somalia and eastern Kenya
The male chestnut-headed sparrow-lark has a black collar and bib, white cheeks and a white circular area on the nape of the crown, surrounded by a chestnut border. This distinguishes it from Fischer's sparrow-lark which lacks the white spot. The female has duller plumage.
This bird is usually found in pairs or small flocks of up to forty birds, often around water holes. It flies low to the ground and may sing in flight or when standing on bare ground. Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark in Samburu National Reserve
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Samburu National Reserve
Fischer's Sparrow-Lark
Eremopterix leucopareia
Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark
Eremopterix leucotis
Pink-breasted Lark
Calendulauda poecilosterna
Fawn-colored Lark
Calendulauda africanoides
Australasian Bushlark
Mirafra javanica
Williams's Lark
Mirafra williamsi
Somali Short-toed Lark
Calandrella somalica
Crested Lark
Galerida cristata
Friedmann's Lark
Mirafra pulpa
Superb Starling
Lamprotornis superbus
White-browed Sparrow-Weaver
Plocepasser mahali
White-headed Buffalo-Weaver
Dinemellia dinemelli
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tsavo East National Park | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 2 | Samburu National Reserve | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 3 | Awash National Park | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | |
| 4 | Tsavo West National Park | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 5 | Amboseli National Park | 🇰🇪 Kenya |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark in Samburu National Reserve?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark sighting in Samburu National Reserve, based on 65 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark in Samburu National Reserve?
April has the highest sighting rate for Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark in Samburu National Reserve in our monthly data.