Highland Lark
Corypha kurrae
A large, robust, rusty lark with a short crest, hefty bill, and prominent rufous wing panel that is obvious in flight. Geographically variable, ranging from blackish on the back and buff below to rich rufous overall. Pairs are locally resident in open habitats including grassland, grassy savanna, woodland, and cultivated areas. The song is sweet and simple song, consisting of of 2-5 whistled notes. Can be similar to Sun Lark, but larger and with a larger bill.
Identification
The highland lark (Corypha kurrae) is a species of small passerine bird in the lark family Alaudidae found in Africa from Guinea to west Sudan. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the rufous-naped lark (Corypha africana).
Taxonomy
Genus: Corypha; Family: Alaudidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Corypha kurrae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Corypha
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
New Caledonian Thicketbird
Cincloramphus mariae
Extremely shy, smallish, long-tailed brown songbird, found locally throughout New Caledonia. When seen, note warm brown upperparts and flanks contrasting strongly with a white eyebrow, throat, and belly. Prefers scrubby habitats, and most common where there’s a mix of short bushes, dense ferns, and some grass. Best found through its distinctive call note, a dry doubled “ch-tk!”.
Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher
Bias musicus
Unusual, chunky, short-tailed, crested, yellow-eyed member of the vanga family. Males are strikingly black-and-white, with a small white patch at the front of the wing. Females have a chestnut back, blackish head, and pale underparts. The wings are short and rounded, and the flight is weak. Found in the canopy of humid forest, at low and middle elevations, often along forest edge and clearings. The variable song consists of slurred whistles. Calls include rasps and clearer bulbul-like notes.
Albert's Lyrebird
Menura alberti
A large brown bird with very long tail; the male’s is said to be lyre-shaped. These curved outer tail feathers are absent in juveniles and females, which can be mistaken for Superb Lyrebird, but location and underpart coloration (rusty tones in Albert’s) help in ID. Found in rainforests, where it forages in leaf litter for food. Usually heard before it is seen, it has a very powerful song and is known for mimicking other species. Note range, as this species is found only in a small region of Queensland and far northeast New South Wales.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.