Jerdon's bush lark

The common name commemorates the surgeon-naturalist Thomas C. Jerdon. Formerly, Jerdon's bush lark was considered to be a subspecies of the Bengal bush lark (as M. assamica affinis) until studies of differences in call and distribution led to it being treated as a separate species. However, not all authorities recognize this species split. The species is monotypic: no subspecies are recognised. Jerdon's bush lark was formerly placed in the genus Mirafra but was one of five species moved to the newly erected genus Plocealauda based on evidence from a large molecular genetic study published in 2023. ==Description==

Jerdon's bush lark has arrowhead-like spots pointing upwards on the breast. It is very similar to the Indian bush lark (M. erythroptera) but has buffy lores, less white behind ear coverts, darker center to wing coverts and central tail feathers. Dark centers of primary coverts are prominent, and wing panels are duller and rufous. In the southern Western Ghats, the race ceylonensis is darker and more rufous on the underside and has a longer bill. Jerdon's bush lark has paler, greyish-brown underparts. The song of the Jerdon's bush lark is a dry rattle given from its perch. == Distribution and habitat ==

Jerdon's bush lark has a large range in south-east India and Sri Lanka, with an estimated global extent of occurrence of 100,000-1,000,000 square kilometers. == Behaviour and ecology ==

Its song-flight is similar to that of the Indian bush lark, However, unlike the aforementioned species, Jerdon's bush lark often perches on trees and wires. File:M_affinis.jpg|A juvenile near Bangalore, India File:Jerdons Bushlark Back Sirudavoor TN India Jan21 D72 19599.jpg|Adult bird near Chennai, India ==References==