Oriental skylark
The Oriental skylark ("Alauda gulgula"), also known as the small skylark, is a species of skylark found in the southern, central and eastern Palearctic . Like other skylarks, it is found in open grassland where it feeds on seeds and insects. Taxonomy and systematics. The Oriental skylark was described by the English soldier and naturalist James Franklin in 1831 and given the binomial name "Alauda gulgula". The meaning of the specific epithet "gulgula" is uncertain but is perhaps a reference to the song as "gula" is Latin for "throat" or may be the color of the "gulgula" or a  sweet which looks like doughnut made in many parts of Central India. Other alternate names for the Oriental skylark include eastern skylark, Indian skylark and lesser skylark. Subspecies. Thirteen subspecies are recognized: Description. Oriental skylarks are about long. They have streaked, yellow-brown upper plumage, with white outer tail feathers and a short crest. Both sexes are similar. Behaviour and ecology. These skylarks frequently rocket up into the sky, fluttering and singing before descending down to earth. Male Oriental skylarks may also hover in the air and sing, in order to attract a mate.