About Calandrella rufescens heinei (Homeyer, 1873)
Description: This Mediterranean short-toed lark is similar in size and appearance to the greater short-toed lark, but is generally a duller bird with a more heavily streaked breast. It reaches a length of 13 to 14 cm (5.1 to 5.5 in), and the sexes are similar in appearance. Just like with the greater short-toed lark, plumage color varies across the bird's broad range, so it is not a good distinguishing feature. It is dark-streaked greyish-brown on its upperparts, and white on its underparts. It has a pale supercilium and a short, stubby bill. Care must be taken to distinguish this species from other Calandrella larks. Unlike the greater short-toed lark, this species has no dark neck patches and has fine streaking across the breast. Its bill and head shape are also different: this species has a shorter, less conical bill and a smaller, more rounded head. Its song is richer, more varied, and more imitative than the song of the greater short-toed lark. Distribution and habitat: The Mediterranean short-toed lark breeds in Spain, north Africa, and from Turkey east across the semi-deserts of central Asia to Mongolia and China. Many populations, including the Spanish and African breeding groups, are sedentary (non-migratory), but some Asian birds from the northern part of the breeding range migrate south in winter. This species is a very rare wanderer to northern and western Europe. Behaviour and ecology: This is a bird of dry open country, and prefers even drier and barer soils than the greater short-toed lark. It nests on the ground, laying two or three eggs. It feeds on seeds and insects; insects make up a larger part of its diet especially during the breeding season.
