Least Concern Birds

Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark

Eremopterix leucotis

Small sparrow-lark with chestnut back, found in dry savannas and open grasslands.

Scientific name	Eremopterix leucotis
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Calcariidae
Size	Male: approximately 13-15 grams; Female: approximately 12-14 grams

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How to identify

Male has a chestnut crown, chestnut back with black markings; face and throat are white. Female is duller in color, lacking distinct chestnut; small body size, short tail; short, conical bill.

Habitat

Arid sparsely-treed grasslands, open grasslands, edges of shrubs and agricultural fields

Diet

Primarily seeds, also consumes insects and other small invertebrates

When it is active

Diurnal, mainly active during the day, more active at dawn and dusk

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and adjacent areas; observed in Masai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Search in open grasslands or sparsely-treed savannas at dawn or dusk, watch for small passerines active on the ground, use binoculars or telephoto lenses for photography.

Photography tips

Use natural light, choose low angles to highlight plumage color and texture, capture feeding or flight moments, keep background simple.

Threats

Habitat loss and degradation, agricultural expansion, and overgrazing

Similar species

Similar to other species in the genus Eremopterix, distinguished by chestnut back and white facial markings; chestnut-backed sparrow-lark has a distinctly chestnut back, others have paler or no distinct chestnut coloration.

📖 how to spot the chestnut backed sparrow lark on safari