Thekla's Lark
Galerida theklae
Very like Crested Lark, with which it often occurs. Best told by bill shape, which is shorter and stubbier, with a convex lower mandible. Crest is also shorter and more fanlike; rump is more contrasting and rusty-tinged. Breast streaks heavier and more contrasting than Crested Lark. Found in stony and sandy areas with scattered bushes in Iberia, North Africa and East Africa. More likely to perch up on bushes than Crested Lark. Song is a musical jumble of twitters, warbles, trills, and slurred notes.
Identification
This is a smallish lark, slightly smaller than the Eurasian skylark. It has a long, spiky, erectile crest. It is greyer than the Eurasian skylark, and lacks the white wing and tail edge of that species. It is very similar to the widespread crested lark. It is smaller and somewhat greyer than that species, and has a shorter bill. In flight, it shows grey underwings, whereas the crested lark has reddish underwings. The body is mainly dark-streaked grey above and whitish below. The sexes are similar.
Taxonomy
Thekla's lark has several East African subspecies that show deep genetic divergence both among themselves and from the Mediterranean populations and are consequently strong candidates for consideration as separate species. Formerly, some authorities considered Thekla's lark and the Malabar lark to be conspecific. Alternate names for Thekla's lark include short-crested lark and Thekla crested-lark.<p>Twelve subspecies are recognized:
- Scientific name
- Galerida theklae
- Authority
- Brehm, AE, 1857
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Galerida
Range and habitat
Thekla's lark is native and resident in France, Spain, Portugal, Algeria, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Somalia, Tunisia and Western Sahara. Its typical habitat is rugged areas with scrub, bare patches of ground and semi-arid grassland.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
It nests on the ground, laying two to six eggs. Its food is weed, seeds and insects, the latter especially in the breeding season.<p>The song is melodious and varied, with mournful whistles and mimicry included. It is softer and more tuneful than that of the crested lark, and may be sung during flight or from the ground or an exposed perch.
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Short-tailed Albatross
Phoebastria albatrus
Gradually increasing after near extinction in the 20th century but still the rarest of the three North Pacific albatross species. Adult is striking: white overall, with dark wings, white upperwing coverts, a rich yellow nape, and bright pink bill. Juvenile blackish brown with pink bill; young birds attain increasing amounts of white in plumage as they age. Forages over a large pelagic range but sometimes seen from shore.
Brown Violetear
Colibri delphinae
Uncommon, rather large but drab, fairly short-billed hummingbird of tropical and subtropical forest and edge. Can be aggressive when defending flower patches from most other hummingbirds. Occurs mainly in foothills, ranging seasonally down to lowlands. Sexes similar: overall grayish brown with a broad pale mustache, dark throat patch, and dark violet ear patches that can be raised. Tail has a broad blackish subterminal band and rump feathers have bright rusty edgings.
Sunda Teal
Anas gibberifrons
Small, dull, brown duck with ruby-red eyes. Also note rounded forehead with noticeable bulge and bright green-and-white wing patches. Found in freshwater, brackish, and occasionally marine habitats; forages primarily by dabbling. Typically moves in pairs or small groups.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.