Common name: Crested Lark
Scientific name: Galerida cristata
Family: Alaudidae

Size:
Body length: 17–19 cm
Wingspan: 29–38 cm
Weight: 35–55 g

Identification:
A medium-sized lark with a distinctive pointed crest, often raised when alert. Plumage is sandy-brown with heavy streaking, providing excellent camouflage in dry habitats. It has a strong, slightly curved bill and a relatively long tail. Compared to other larks, it appears more robust with a more obvious crest.

Habitat:
Open, dry environments including deserts, grasslands, farmland, roadsides, and urban edges. Often associated with disturbed or human-modified habitats.

Status in the UAE:
Common resident. Widely distributed across open landscapes and frequently seen in desert and semi-urban areas.

Diet:
Omnivorous — feeds mainly on seeds and grains, supplemented by insects and small invertebrates.

Behavior:
Ground-dwelling and often seen walking or running rather than flying. Usually solitary or in pairs. Known for its melodious song, delivered both from the ground and during short display flights. Frequently perches on low mounds or rocks.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)