| Alaudala | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Mediterranean short-toed lark (Alaudala rufescens) | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Alaudidae |
| Genus: | Alaudala Horsfield &Moore, F, 1858 |
| Type species | |
| Alauda raytal[1] Blyth, 1844 | |
| Species | |
see text | |
Alaudala is a genus oflark in the familyAlaudidae. The genus name is a diminutive ofAlauda.[2]
Amolecular phylogenetic study published in 2020 compared the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA from the sand, Asian short-toed, and lesser short-toed larks. The study analysed samples from 130 individuals that represented 16 of the 18 recognised subspecies. The resulting phylogenetic tree indicated that neither the Asian short-toed lark, nor the lesser short-toed lark as currently defined aremonophyletic. Most of the subspecies were also found to be non-monophyletic. The authors refrained from proposing a revised taxonomy until additional studies had been completed comparing the vocalizations, sexual behaviour and ecology.[3]
The genusAlaudala contains the following species:[4][5]
| Image | Scientific name | Common Name | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaudala athensis | Athi short-toed lark | southern Kenya and northern Tanzania | |
 | Alaudala cheleensis | Asian short-toed lark | south-central to eastern Asia. |
 | Alaudala somalica | Somali short-toed lark | eastern and northeastern Africa. |
_(8649673388)_(2)_(cropped).jpg) | Alaudala rufescens | Mediterranean short-toed lark | Mediterranean Basin and parts of the Middle East |
 | Alaudala heinei | Turkestan short-toed lark | Siberia west to Turkey and north to Ukraine |
 | Alaudala raytal | Sand lark | Gangetic plains |
