Larks (Alaudidae)

Rufous-tailed Lark (Ammomanes phoenicura) - HBW 9, p. 577

French: Ammomane à queue rouge German: Rotschwanzlerche Spanish: Terrera Colirroja
Other common names: Rufous-tailed Desert Lark/Finch-Lark

Taxonomy: Mirafra phoenicura Franklin, 1831, Vindhya Hills between Benares and Gurrah Mundela on the Narbudda, India.
Has been thought to form a superspecies with A. cinctura, and in the past considered conspecific. Is, however, more similar morphologically, vocally and in habitat choice to A. deserti, and likely to be more closely related to that species. Birds from S India often separated as race testacea, but appear indistinguishable from other populations. Monotypic.

Distribution: NE Pakistan (probably irregular) and most of India (except NW, N & NE).