Liben Lark
Heteromirafra archeri
Looks superficially similar to a typical lark, but a careful look reveals an odd shape: a flat, triangular head, a chunky bill, a long neck, and a relatively short tail. There is a beautiful scalloped pattern on the back and thick streaking on the breast. Extremely local and uncommon in grassland habitat. Usually seen singly, running along the ground. Occurs alongside Somali Short-toed Lark, but easily distinguished by its odd shape and scalloped pattern on the back. Somewhat similar in shape to Flappet Lark, but less buffy, especially on the underparts. The flight song is a mix of different call types that are repeated several times in a long jumble.
Identification
The Liben lark is about 14 cm (5.5 in) long, with a relatively large head and short, plump body. It has buff underparts with a streaky breast. Its plumage is predominantly brown and reddish brown. It has a short, thin tail which is brown with white outer feathers. The call is unknown.
Taxonomy
Formerly, the Liben lark has been considered by some authorities as belonging to the genus Mirafra. The Sidamo lark was previously considered as a separate species (as H. sidamoensis) and by some authorities as a subspecies of Liben lark (as H. a. sidamoensis), but since 2014 has been considered conspecific with the Liben lark. Note that the alternate names "long-clawed lark" and "Sidamo lark" are also used as alternate names by Rudd's lark and Degodi lark respectively. Some authorities have also considered Archer's lark to be a subspecies of Rudd's lark. The alternate name "Somali lark" is more commonly used by the species of the same name, Mirafra somalica, but also as an alternate name for Sharpe's lark. Other alternate names for the Liben lark include Archer's long-clawed lark, Ethiopian long-clawed lark, Sidamo bushlark, Sidamo long-clawed lark and Somali long-clawed lark.
- Scientific name
- Heteromirafra archeri
- Authority
- Clarke, S, 1920
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Heteromirafra
Range and habitat
The bird's preferred habitat is open grasslands and rocky country, vegetated with tussocky perennial grasses and having an annual rainfall of 300–400 mm (12–16 in). The total area in which Liben lark can be found is estimated to be only 52 km2 (20 sq mi), largely in Ethiopia. The birds have not been recorded from the Wajaale clay plains on the border of Ethiopia and Somalia since 1922. Due to habitat loss, Archer's lark has not been found in Somalia, since at least 1970.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The birds are largely terrestrial and their behaviour is cryptic. Though quite capable of flight, they often prefer to conceal themselves in vegetation.<p>Nests have been found in summer. Clutch-size is three.<p>Its diet is likely to consist of seeds and small invertebrates, including worms.
Conservation
The population is estimated to number 50–250 mature individuals, based on a lack of confirmed sightings despite several searches having been conducted since 1955 in Somalia and Ethiopia. One of the last possible sightings of the bird was in Ethiopia in 2003. The species was declared critically endangered in 2005 and a conversation program to restore and protect grasslands has been initiated.<p>In 2011, David Hoddinott and his bird watching group had a sighting of a bird that may have been a Liben lark in north-eastern Ethiopia. They were able to get a photograph which is being studied to confirm the observation.<p>Human activities in the Negele plateau are causing the loss of crucial grassland habitat for the Liben lark. These activities include the encroachment of Acacia drepanolobium bushes. The enforcement of fire suppression measures since the 1980s may have worsened this issue by reducing available grassland.<p>The region's local human population is under increasing pressure due to the arrival of refugees from drought-stricken and tribal conflict areas. This has led to a transition from nomadic pastoralism to permanent cultivation, posing a significant threat to the species. Moreover, the development of a watering point in the core of the species' range has led to livestock concentration, causing habitat disturbance, overgrazing, and trampling.<p>The Liben lark's habitat continues to degrade, possibly due to overgrazing and the conversion of grassland into cultivated land. Between 2010 and 2011, a significant portion of grassland on the northern side of the Liben Plain was lost to agriculture. While a military training area was previously considered a potential threat, it was abandoned by July 2005. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding environmental changes, including drought and rising temperatures.<p>Historical land use by refugees in the Liben lark's original grassland site in Somalia led to the loss of essential grasses. Though the refugees have departed, intensive farming, grazing, and habitat disruption continue. Settlements, fires, and invasive species exacerbate habitat loss, threatening the Liben lark's survival.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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