The Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan has chosen the desert lark as the "Bird of the Year" for 2026. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
Through this selection, ecologists aim to draw public attention to the ecological problems in the country's arid regions. The desert lark (also called chil or kabki zirak) is a medium-sized bird that leads a mostly secretive lifestyle and primarily inhabits the dry areas of Central Asia.
In Tajikistan, the population of this species is very small and is mainly found in the southern and western desert-semi-desert regions. According to ornithologists, the number of this species has been decreasing over the years.
Experts emphasize that several factors are causing the decline of the desert lark. These include the destruction of natural habitats, expansion of agricultural lands, insufficient monitoring programs, and excessive growth of grasses.
The desert lark is also notable for its appearance. Its body is compact, colored sandy, with a mix of blue and liver tones, providing excellent camouflage in desert conditions.
When threatened, it prefers to run quickly and hide rather than fly. By declaring this bird as the "Bird of the Year," scientists and ecologists aim to remind the public once again about the state of desert wildlife, the negative impact of climate change, and the necessity of preserving such rare species.
