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
Rufous-breasted Hermit
Glaucis hirsutus
Fairly large hermit with rufous underparts and no elongated central tail feathers. Long decurved bill has a yellow lower mandible. Rounded tail is mostly rufous at the base with a black band and small white tips on each feather. Superficially similar to other hermits, but combination of tail shape and underpart color should be sufficient to identify. The very similar Bronzy Hermit does not overlap in range. An understory species that is fairly shy and most often seen feeding from Heliconia flowers.
White-eared Sibia
Heterophasia auricularis
Elegant, long-tailed endemic songbird with a unique tufted white cheek. Gray overall, with darker wings and pale orange belly. White in wing and tail tips most apparent in flight. Typically inhabits montane forests but descends into foothills and lowlands at times. Often seen congregating in large numbers at flowering or fruiting trees; usually in smaller flocks otherwise. Song comprised of a series of quick whistled bursts followed by a longer, more drawn-out note.
Short-toed Treecreeper
Certhia brachydactyla
Difficult to separate from Eurasian Treecreeper: note slightly longer bill, shorter hind claw, browner flanks, and even steps on the wingbar. In the field best separated by voice, a penetrating "tut." Where it overlaps in range with Eurasian Treecreeper tends to be found in more deciduous woodlands at lower altitudes and in farmlands and parks.
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