Habitat: Open woodlands, scrub forest, semi-desert.
Size: Larger than sparrow.
Distribution: Distributed throughout the dry areas of north and central India in winter; rare in the south.
Identification: Mostly ground dwelling. Easy to identify, but note that some individuals are very pale all over with weak markings. In flight, the long broad tail and shallowly undulating flight pattern are distinctive. It sometimes shows a distinctive behaviour of screwing neck from side to side like a clockwork toy that gives it its name.