Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark

A small brown bird; inhabits the stony plains and open grassland environment.   

It can remain unnoticed due to its brownish-grey spotted plumage. It is this ability which enables it to stay largely hidden  and survive in the plains, particularly when the young birds are still cared for by the mother bird. (see pictures 2 and 3: female in the company of juvenile).

It is smaller than the common sparrow and is similar in appearance, with an ashy-brown head and light brown body. Its chest and abdomen are distinctly black and it has a black stripe running over the eyes.  

The female is brownish-gray overall, with pale brown chest and abdomen parts.