A small pale lark with a short, finch-like bill. Usually seen foraging on the ground in open country with shrubs, grasses, and extensive bare soil. Stays low to the ground and runs quickly. The extremely variable song is made up of a long series of phrases containing a mix of many different types of notes, often including imitations of other bird species. Sings shorter song phrases than Turkestan Short-toed Lark, with shorter pauses between them. Visually, can be difficult to separate from Greater Short-toed Lark; best features are the heavily streaked breast and flanks and the lack of a well-defined eyebrow. Also extremely similar to Turkestan Short-toed Lark. Separation in overlap zone is difficult and poorly understood, and is complicated by both geographic and individual variation. Mediterranean is slightly more rufous overall, with broader streaks on the breast.