Bengal Bushlark (Mirafra assamica)

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**Bengal Bushlark (Mirafra assamica)** 🐦🌿

The Bengal Bushlark (Mirafra assamica) is a small yet vocal bird found in the grasslands, scrublands, and agricultural fields of the Indian subcontinent. Known for its melodious song and excellent camouflage abilities, this species thrives in open, dry habitats. While it is not a core species in the Sundarban, occasional sightings have been reported in buffer zones and adjacent drylands where the habitat is suitable.

🧬 Taxonomy and Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Alaudidae
Genus: Mirafra
Species: Mirafra assamica

The Bengal Bushlark belongs to the Alaudidae family, which includes various species of larks adapted to open landscapes.

🔍 Morphology and Physical Characteristics

Size: Small bird, measuring 14–15 cm (5.5–5.9 in) in length.
Weight: Approximately 30–40 grams.
Plumage:
- Brownish upperparts with streaks, blending well with dry grass and soil.
- Buff-colored underparts with faint streaks on the breast.
- Short tail and rounded wings, ideal for quick, low flights.
- Distinctive rufous (reddish-brown) tinge on the wings.
Sexual Dimorphism:
- Males and females look similar, but males are more active singers.
Juveniles:
- Slightly paler with less distinct streaking than adults.

🌎 Habitat and Distribution

The Bengal Bushlark is found in:

India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Prefers dry grasslands, open scrublands, and cultivated fields.
Lowland areas with scattered bushes and sandy soil.

🌿 Presence in Sundarban

The Sundarban is not a primary habitat for the Bengal Bushlark due to its dense mangrove cover. However, it has been occasionally recorded in:

Fringe areas of Sundarban, where dry scrublands and open fields exist.
Agricultural fields near the Sundarban buffer zones.

Its presence is seasonal and sparse, with some populations moving closer to coastal regions during drier months.

🍽️ Diet and Feeding Behavior

The Bengal Bushlark is an omnivore, primarily feeding on:

Seeds and grains, particularly from grass species.
Insects (grasshoppers, beetles, ants, and termites), which provide protein.
Occasionally, nectar and small berries.

It forages on the ground, hopping between grass patches and using its camouflage to remain undetected.

🛠️ Special Features and Behavior

🎶 Melodious Song: Males sing a rich, varied song, often from a perch or during a display flight.
🦅 Short-Burst Flights: Prefers low, rapid flights, often flying in short distances before landing again.
🛡️ Territorial Nature: Males aggressively defend nesting territories during the breeding season.
🐣 Breeding Season: Typically from March to June, with nests built in small ground depressions lined with grass.

🛡️ Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN Red List.
Main threats include:
- Habitat loss due to urban expansion and intensive agriculture.
- Changes in grassland ecosystems, affecting their food sources.

Though not threatened, its populations may decline if grasslands continue to shrink.

The Bengal Bushlark is a fascinating songbird known for its beautiful calls, strong camouflage, and preference for open habitats. While not a key species of the Sundarban, it can be found in adjacent drylands and scrub patches, particularly in buffer zones. For birdwatchers, exploring the Sundarban’s surrounding areas with a Sundarban luxury tour package offers a great opportunity to observe rare grassland birds like the Bengal Bushlark.