Horsfield’s Bushlark (Mirafra javanica)

The Horsfield’s Bushlark (Mirafra javanica) is a small, ground-dwelling bird known for its streaked plumage, excellent camouflage, and melodious song. Distributed across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia, this species thrives in grasslands, open scrublands, and dry coastal regions. While not commonly found in the Sundarban, it may occur in adjacent dryland areas and agricultural patches where habitat conditions are suitable.

Taxonomy and Classification

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

Named after Thomas Horsfield, an American naturalist, this species is part of the Alaudidae family, which includes various lark species adapted to open and semi-arid environments.

Morphology and Physical Characteristics

• Size: Small bird, measuring 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 in) in length.
• Weight: Approximately 25–30 grams.
• Plumage:
  • Brownish upperparts with streaks, providing natural camouflage.
  • Whitish or buff-colored underparts, often with faint streaks.
  • Short tail and rounded wings, adapted for short bursts of flight.
• Sexual Dimorphism:
  • Males and females look similar, but males are more active and vocal during the breeding season.
• Juveniles:
  • Slightly paler and less defined streaking than adults.

Habitat and Distribution

The Horsfield’s Bushlark has a broad distribution across:

• India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
• Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia.
• Australia, where it occupies arid and semi-arid regions.

Presence in Sundarban

Although Sundarban’s mangrove ecosystem is not a primary habitat for this species, occasional records suggest that it may appear:

• In buffer zones, particularly in open grasslands and dry coastal scrubs.
• Near agricultural fields, where it feeds on seeds and insects.

Its presence in Sundarban is limited, but populations in West Bengal’s drier regions may occasionally move towards coastal patches near the mangrove edges.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

The Horsfield’s Bushlark is omnivorous, consuming:

• Seeds and grains, especially in dry scrublands and farmlands.
• Small insects (grasshoppers, beetles, ants), which provide protein.
• Occasionally nectar and small berries.

This bird forages on the ground, often running short distances to catch insects or pick up seeds.

Special Features and Behavior

• Camouflage Master: Blends perfectly with dry grass and soil, making it difficult to detect.
• Melodious Song: Males produce a sweet, complex song, often while performing aerial displays.
• Short-Burst Flights: Prefers low, direct flights, rarely traveling long distances.
• Territorial Nature: Males defend their breeding territories aggressively.
• Breeding Season: Typically from March to June, nesting in grass-lined ground depressions.

Conservation Status

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

In West Bengal and Sundarban’s buffer areas, conservation efforts that maintain open scrublands and grass patches benefit this species.

The Horsfield’s Bushlark is a small yet fascinating songbird, known for its melodious calls and well-adapted camouflage. While not a core species of the Sundarban, occasional sightings in nearby coastal drylands and buffer zones suggest its presence in fringe habitats. For birdwatchers, a Sundarban luxury tour offers a chance to explore the region’s diverse avifauna, including rare passerines like the Horsfield’s Bushlark.

Footnote

For more details on the Horsfield’s Bushlark, visit its Wikipedia page.