Williams's Lark

Mirafra williamsi

A small, compact lark with variable dark- to rusty-brown upperparts, sometimes with darker streaks or feather centers, pale eyebrows and throat, and a pale belly that contrasts with the heavily streaked chest, often washed rufous. The tail is brownish with white outer feathers that are conspicuous in flight. Restricted to a very specific habitat, rocky lava-strewn plains in semi-desert, in two areas of Kenya. Vocalizations are poorly known, but a loud “tsireet” has been recorded during the display flight. Other similar larks are generally less rusty and less streaked on the chest.

Identification

Williams's lark (Mirafra williamsi) is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. Discovered in 1955, much of its life and ecology is still a mystery to ornithology.

Taxonomy

The bird is named after John George Williams (1913–1997) a British ornithologist who was curator of the Coryndon Museum in Nairobi, Kenya (now called the National Museums of Kenya). Alternate names for Williams's lark include Marsabit lark and Williams's bush lark.

Scientific name
Mirafra williamsi
Authority
Macdonald, 1956
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Alaudidae
Genus
Mirafra

Range and habitat

In general, the natural habitat of M. williamsi is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. Its range is restricted to northern Kenya where it is found in two disjunct populations:<p>One population is located north of Marsabit, in the Didi Galgalla desert, a region marked by plains of rocky, red lava soils and patches of short-grass and bushes.<p>The other inhabits a particular area (elevated between 600 m and 1,350 m) lying between Isiolo and Garba Tula. It has even, unbroken communities of Barleria shrubs.

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: stable.

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Other Birds

Ruddy Spinetail

Ruddy Spinetail

Synallaxis rutilans

Small, patchily distributed bird humid forests. Entirely rufous in most of its expansive range, but at the eastern end of its distribution in Brazil it is mostly sooty-colored with rufous wings. Long-tailed profile, terrestrial habits, and small black mask should clinch identification. Found near the ground inside lowland forest and in premontane forest in the tepui region, often around treefall gaps or other areas with dense understory. Often in pairs. Vocal; two-noted song often given in duet is distinctive in habitat.

Carrion Crow

Carrion Crow

Corvus corone

The quintessential big black crow, without obvious field marks. Juvenile Rook has longer, more pointed bill with more extensive feathering on base. Smaller than Common Raven, which has longer, wedge-shaped tail, heavier bill, shaggy throat, and deeper voice. Ravens soar and glide readily, whereas crows typically flap continuously. Common in varied open and semi-open habitats from towns and farmland to open woodland and moorland. Found in pairs or small groups; large flocks only at roosts. Typically gives raucous caws.

White-browed Woodswallow

White-browed Woodswallow

Artamus superciliosus

Chunky bird with broad, triangular wings and short, decurved bill. Male dark gray above, dark orange-brown below, with dark gray face and throat and white eyebrow. Female similar in pattern but less richly colored. Whitish underwings contrast powerfully with dark underparts in flight. Often forages very high up in enormous flocks, sometimes mixed in with Masked Woodswallows.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.