Sclater's Lark
Spizocorys sclateri
A medium-sized, compact lark with a bulbous head and a chunky pale bill that appears upturned. The plumage is buffy-brown, especially the underparts, and the eye is underlined with a dark stripe that has a diagnostic tear-drop mark. Pairs inhabit stark, stony plains with scattered small shrubs and occasional grass, where they flip stones and extract seeds from the bases of grass leaf-sheaths. The species is most often seen visiting waterholes in the heat of the day. Calls include a simple chirping “treeep” given repeatedly in flight and on the ground, often betraying its presence.
Taxonomy
The common name and the Latin binomial commemorate the British zoologist Philip Lutley Sclater.<p>Sclater's lark was originally placed within the genus Calandrella and some authorities continue to recognise that classification. This species is alternately named as Sclater's short-toed lark.
- Scientific name
- Spizocorys sclateri
- Authority
- (Shelley, 1902)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Spizocorys
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
Sclater's lark is classified as Near Threatened due to its scarce and localised population in the Nama Karoo.
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Lesser Rhea
Rhea pennata
This flightless South American relative of the ostriches stands about 5 feet tall with a body about the size of a sheep; no similar species in its range. Rheas roam widely on open Patagonian steppe and also occur locally in open habitats of the Andes, mainly at very high elevations. Can be confiding where used to people, but in other areas wary, running strongly and quickly. Rheas occur singly or in groups, and males take care of the young. Adults have bold pale spots on the body, first-year birds are plainer overall.
American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Extremely large and conspicuous. White with black wingtips. Very long, orange bill with pouch for scooping up fish. Forages in flocks, swimming together to concentrate fish. Often soars in flocks, infrequently flapping, during migration and when traveling between feeding sites.
Subdesert Brush-Warbler
Nesillas lantzii
Medium-sized pale-brown bird with a long, spiky tail. Endemic to Madagascar, where it is found in southwestern spiny forest and scrub. Skulks in thick undergrowth. Incessantly given call is a Geiger counter-like ticking. Paler brown than Madagascar Brush-Warbler, with a higher-pitched call and little overlap in range. Similar to Madagascar Swamp-Warbler, but is paler, has less distinct breast streaking and a white eyebrow, and is generally found in scrub or spiny forest rather than marsh.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.