Malabar lark is very similar to the crested lark, which breeds in northern India. The Malabar lark is smaller and dark-streaked reddish brown in plumage, whereas the crested lark is grey. The belly is white. The sexes are similar. Sykes's lark is another Indian relative that also has reddish-brown plumage, but is smaller, shorter-billed, with a stiff upright crest and has plain rufous underparts. The Malabar lark is found in western India. It is a common bird of open country, cultivation and scrub, often at some altitude. The Malabar lark is a sedentary breeding bird that nests on the ground, laying two
HMS Malabar (1804) From November 1806 to January 1807 "Malabar" was in Woolwich being fitted as a 20-gun storeship. In November 1806 she was commissioned under Captain John Temple, and after fitting out sailed for the North Sea. At a court martial on board "Gladiator" at Portsmouth on 1 June 1807, Lieutenant Pennyman Stevenson of "Malabar" was found guilty of neglect of duty and dismissed from the Navy. "Malabar" sailed for the River Plate later that month. "Malabar" was commissioned in May 1808 under J. Henzell (Master). "Lloyd's List" reported on 10 May 1808 that the Portuguese brig "Legeiro" had arrived at Portsmouth.