Plains Lark
Corypha kabalii
A large, robust rusty lark with a short crest, hefty bill, and rufous wing panel that is obvious in flight. Geographically variable, ranging from rufous on the back and plain and buffy below to gray on the back with streaks on the pale breast. Pairs are resident in open grassland, grassy savanna, woodland, and cultivated areas. The song is a simple combination of 2-3 whistled notes, repeated over and over. Separated from other larks in its range by its larger size and larger bill.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Corypha kabalii
- Order
- N/A - Not a recognized bird species
- Family
- Not a Bird Species
- Genus
- Corypha
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Great Lizard-Cuckoo
Coccyzus merlini
An impressive long-tailed cuckoo of densely vegetated woodlands and tall scrub. Note the long straight bill and the bright orange-buff belly. Generally solitary and secretive, but also tame. Sometimes runs on the ground after prey. Flight often consists of long glides on rounded wings. Vocalizations include a loud, long, ratcheting “eh-eh-eh…” and a penetrating “puck-grawwwwwww.”
Buff-tailed Coronet
Boissonneaua flavescens
Medium-sized hummingbird, mostly dark green with obvious buffy underwing and mostly buffy tail. Fairly short, straight bill. Sexes similar. Found in cloud forest from Venezuela to Ecuador, mostly from 1,500–2,400 m. Usually forages in middle to upper levels of trees. Visits feeders, where it aggressively defends its territory against other hummingbirds.
Long-billed Thrasher
Toxostoma longirostre
A fairly large and long-tailed thrasher with limited range in south Texas and northeast Mexico. Note dark reddish-brown upperparts, contrasting gray face, and heavily streaked underparts. Usually skulky and difficult to see in shrubby woodlands. Listen for its loud song, a long series of jumbled phrases. Most similar to Brown Thrasher, but almost no range overlap. Long-billed Thrasher is duller brown above and has a more contrasting gray face.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.