Malabar lark Malabar lark The Malabar lark, or Malabar crested lark ("Galerida malabarica") is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in western India. Originally, the Malabar lark was classified in the genus "Alauda" before being moved to its present genus. Also, some authorities have considered the Thekla lark to be a subspecies of the Malabar lark. This is a smallish lark, slightly smaller than the Eurasian skylark. It has a long spiky erectile crest. It is greyer than the skylark, and lacks the white wing and tail edges of that species, which is a winter visitor to India. It
North Malabar in a methodical way in tune with folksongs. It is played according to Vaithari or Thalam by the Gurukkal (Teacher). The typical Kolkali group will contain between sixteen and twenty members. One among them will sing the folksong and it will be chorused by rest. Harmonizing with generational changes, Kolkali like all other folk-art of North Malabar, has also changed its look and style over time. The noted Kolkali groups are found in the Kasaragod District. Mappila folklore has deep roots in the region. The major Mappila arts of North Malabar are : After Malappuram, almost all the well known