A chunky brown bird with a short tail and a big, heavy bill. It has strong streaking above and arrow-like spots on the breast. The facial pattern is messy, with dark cheeks and no distinct eyebrow. Juveniles are often paler overall. Similar to Indian and Singing Bushlarks, but Jerdon’s has stronger streaking, looks rounder, and has a shorter tail than either of the others. Similar in proportions to Bengal Bushlark, but Jerdon’s Bushlark is paler, with browner wings. It inhabits open scrub and often perches on trees and wires. The song consists of high-pitched whistles, buzzy trills, and rattles.