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This is a common breeding resident in the open fields of the low country dry zone in small numbers in suitable habitat in the wet zone. Other than in Sri Lanka this species is only found in southern India. The subspecies found in Sri Lanka is recognized as M.a.celonensis.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (IUCN Red List) and it is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species through out the dry lowlands and a few locations in the wet zone including Kotte and in the Corbett’s gap area in the Knuckles forest reserve.

The courtship display of this species is very interesting. The male would fly up about twenty to thirty feet in the air and sail down with open wings and feet dangling (referred to parachuting) while continuously singing. Once on the ground the male holds his tail elevated and performs a walk similar to the Russian march around the female. The high pitch whistling call of the male Jerdon’s Bushlark is a familiar sound of the open fields of the low country dry zone and the tank shores.

This is a very common species in Wilpattu and can be seen at all the open areas such as around the villus.