Calandrella

Calandrella is a genus of passerine birds in the family Alaudidae, commonly known as short-toed larks. Members are small to medium-sized ground-dwelling birds characterized by brown, streaked upperparts, pale underparts, and a short, pointed bill. They occur across the Old World, with species found in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, inhabiting open habitats such as steppe, grassland, semi-desert, and cultivated fields.

Behavior and diet: Calandrella larks are primarily ground foragers, feeding on seeds and insects. They are often inconspicuous, with vocalizations used for territory defense and courtship; their songs are typically buzzy or trilling and delivered from the ground or low perches. Reproduction takes place on the ground, with nests in grass or simple scrapes. Clutch sizes usually involve several eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and feeding the young.

Taxonomy and relationships: The genus Calandrella lies within the family Alaudidae and has undergone revisions as ornithologists use vocal and genetic data to refine species limits. The group is closely related to other lark genera and shares similar migration and habitat preferences with them. Conservation status varies by species and region, with some populations stable and others declining due to habitat loss, degradation, and human disturbance.