The Oriental skylark was described by the English soldier and naturalist James Franklin in 1831 and given the binomial name Alauda gulgula.

They have streaked, yellow-brown upper plumage, with white outer tail feathers and a short crest.

The outer tail feathers are more buff, and it lacks the white trailing edge during flight.

It is usually found in open areas with short vegetation, such as grasslands, marshes, the edges of lakes, etc.

Male Oriental skylarks may also hover in the air and sing, in order to attract a mate.