Larks (Alaudidae)

Jerdon's Bushlark (Mirafra affinis) - HBW 9, p. 543

French: Alouette du Dekkan German: Jerdonlerche Spanish: Alondra de Jerdon
Other common names: Rufous-winged Bushlark; Ceylon Bushlark (“ceylonensis”)

Taxonomy: Mirafra affinis Blyth, 1845, southern India.
Relationship with African congeners unknown. Recently split from M. assamica on basis of pronounced differences in, especially, vocalizations, song flight, other behaviour, habitat choice, and cytochrome b gene sequences (13·4%); equally large genetic (respectively, 13·7% and 15·1%) and vocal differences from M. erythrocephala and M. microptera, both of which were also previously merged with M. assamica. Sri Lankan population often separated as race ceylonensis; further study needed. Monotypic.

Distribution: E & S India and Sri Lanka.