Rufous-capped Lark
Calandrella eremica
A medium-sized slender pipit-like lark with a long tail and relatively weak bill. A washed-out version of Blanford’s and Red-capped Llarks, which it replaces on the Somali and Arabian peninsulasNote whitish eyebrow and diffuse reddish-brown crown that can be raised into a small crest. Some individuals have pale reddish-brown sides to the chest on otherwise very plain pale underparts. Pairs and small flocks are resident and partial migrants in open and sparsely vegetated regions, including stony areas. Pairs or small groups forage on the ground, where they can be surprisingly cryptic, running around in short bursts and stopping to forage. It can also be found drinking at waterholes. The song, often given in an extended undulating pipit-like display flight, is a series of unmusical whistles and trills incorporating mimicry of other birds.
Identification
The rufous-capped lark (Calandrella eremica) is a small passerine bird of the lark family found in southwestern Arabia and the Horn of Africa. It was considered to be a subspecies of Blanford's lark.
Taxonomy
Genus: Calandrella; Family: Alaudidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Calandrella eremica
- Authority
- (Reichenow & Peters, N, 1932)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Calandrella
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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