Horsfield's Bushlark (Tiwi Islands)  |  

There is considerable geographical variation between the Australian subspecies of Horsfield’s bushlark, mainly in the colour and patterning of the upperparts, and colour of the underbody and extent of markings to the breast. For all subspecies the sexes are similar, with no seasonal variation (Higgins et al., 2006). Horsfield’s bushlark (Tiwi Islands) is a small, short, squat bird with a short robust bill and a rounded head. The top of the head and neck appear black, streaked with rufous, and there is a distinct pale-buff eyebrow. The upperparts are mottled brownish-grey with rufous edging to the feathers, and a strongly rufous wing. The underparts are pale cream-rufous with strong dark streaking on the breast. The legs are short. Birds can raise a short crest, but this is not usually visible.