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 Tsavo West National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Tsavo West National Park
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
Friedmann's Lark
Mirafra pulpa
White-tailed Lark
Mirafra albicauda
Short-tailed Lark
Pseudalaemon fremantlii
Superb Starling
Lamprotornis superbus
White-browed Sparrow-Weaver
Plocepasser mahali
Common Bulbul
Pycnonotus barbatus
Fork-tailed Drongo
Dicrurus adsimilis
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 Tsavo West National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark sighting in Tsavo West National Park, based on 18 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark in Tsavo West National Park?
August has the highest sighting rate for Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark in Tsavo West National Park in our monthly data.