The Bengal bush lark (Plocealauda assamica) or Bengal lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in southern Asia.
Taxonomy and systematics
The Bengal bush lark was formerly placed in the genus Mirafra. It is one of five species moved to a newly erected genus, Plocealauda, based on evidence from a large molecular genetic study published in 2023. The species is monotypic: no subspecies are recognised. Another alternate name for the Bengal bush lark is the rufous-winged lark.
Description
The Bengal bush lark is short-tailed and has a strong stout bill. It is not as long as the skylark, measuring about 15 centimetres in length. It is dark-streaked grey above, and buff below, with spotting on the breast and behind the eye. The wings are rufous.
The song is a repetition of thin disyllabic notes, delivered in a song-flight.
Distribution and habitat
The Bengal bush lark is a resident breeder in the Indian subcontinent and south-east Asia, and found in the countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar and Nepal, with an estimated global extent of occurrence of 100,000-1,000,000 square kilometres.