Karoo Long-billed Lark
Certhilauda subcoronata
A large, slender lark with a long, thin decurved bill and long legs. Features can be variable, but generally the species has rufous upperparts, grayish coloration on the back of the neck, and a lightly streaked chest. As the similar-looking long-billed larks have separate ranges, location is a key factor in identification. This species strides purposefully through dry open shrubland, running quickly before pausing to dig in soil or pick at a shrub for invertebrate prey, seeds, or fruit. In a characteristic display the male flies low to the ground before flying directly up 10 to 15 meters, and then closing its wings and plummeting toward the ground while typically emitting a two-note “hit-seeeoooouuu” whistle, the second note descending. This call and similar ones can also be given from the ground. Most larks in the same range are smaller and more compact, with smaller bills and shorter legs.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Certhilauda subcoronata
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Certhilauda
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
African Pipit
Anthus cinnamomeus
The default pipit across much of Africa. Brown above and pale below, with a streaked back, well-marked face, and white outer tail feathers. There is considerable geographic variation, from pale and sandy to rich brown and rufous. Found in a variety of open and usually grassy habitats, both near water and in dry areas. Call is a sneezing “tzsht”. Song comprises consecutive series of rattles, given in flight. Very similar to other pipits; some of the key features to look for include the yellow base of the bill, streaked back, and white outer tail feathers.
Blue-fronted Robin
Cinclidium frontale
Large ground-dwelling robin with a long broad tail. Male is dark blue with a shining sapphire forehead. Female is dark brown with paler underparts. Both sexes lack the large white tail panels of the otherwise similar White-tailed Robin. Inhabits well-vegetated mid- to high-elevation forests, where it forages quietly on the ground in dense undergrowth. Song is short but sweet, consisting of 3-4 whistled phrases, somewhat like a truncated thrush song.
Black-backed Oriole
Icterus abeillei
Attractive orange-and-black oriole endemic to central Mexico, where it takes the place of Bullock’s Oriole (of western North America). Favors open woods, plantations, hedges with tall trees, and towns; migrants also occur in pine-oak forest in mountains. Feeds at all levels in trees and bushes, mixing readily with other orioles. Yellow-orange plumage of male distinct from purer orange of other orioles; also note the big white wing panel, black nape and cheeks, and black flanks. Female very similar to female Bullock’s Oriole but shows ghosting of male head pattern.
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